The Jimmy Butler trade is already paying dividends for the Golden State Warriors, who appear to be rejuvenated with the six-time All-Star in their lineup. The Warriors look to improve to 3-0 with Butler on the floor when they face the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.
Stephen Curry scored a season-high-tying 38 points, and Butler, who was acquired in a trade with the Miami Heat, added 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals in Golden State’s 125-111 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. Butler is settling in nicely with the Warriors, who had a season-high 16 steals against Milwaukee. After the victory, Butler noted that he’s still working on getting back into game shape following a suspension-filled final month with Miami.
Butler’s arrival has created more opportunities for Curry, who has scored at least 30 points in four straight games. Curry has made a total of 14 3-pointers in the past two games.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are eyeing the upcoming All-Star break, hoping to benefit from a few days off. Dallas started their tumultuous month by trading star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package that included Anthony Davis and Max Christie. Davis exited his first game with the Mavericks on Saturday due to a left adductor strain and is expected to be out for multiple weeks. The nine-time All-Star joins a lengthy injury list for Dallas.
Center Daniel Gafford has been added to the list after suffering a sprained right knee in Dallas’ 129-128 overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings on Monday. Gafford will be re-evaluated within the next two weeks. Kyrie Irving scored 30 points in the loss for the Mavericks, who played without P.J. Washington (right ankle sprain) and Caleb Martin (right hip strain).
Klay Thompson made five 3-pointers and finished with 19 points in the loss to Sacramento. With the Mavericks’ depleted lineup, Thompson could assume a greater workload against his former team on Wednesday. Spencer Dinwiddie, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and Christie are also playing larger roles for Dallas, which has dropped four of its past six games.
