The Golden State Warriors are navigating rough waters, and Stephen Curry knows it. After a 123-115 loss to the Dallas Mavericks-a game that highlighted just how much the team is missing Jimmy Butler-Curry spoke candidly about the challenge ahead.
“It’s no secret this is difficult for everyone to accept the reality of what’s going on,” Curry said postgame. The veteran guard didn’t sugarcoat the emotional weight of Butler’s season-ending injury, a blow that’s reshaped the Warriors’ outlook in a hurry.
Still, if there’s one thing Curry isn’t short on, it’s belief. “As long as I’m out there I’m always confident we can win,” he added.
And that confidence isn't just talk-Curry continues to make history, becoming the first player in NBA history to attempt over 10,000 three-pointers. That’s not just a testament to longevity; it’s a marker of sustained excellence in a league that’s increasingly defined by perimeter shooting.
But Thursday night in Dallas was a stark reminder that even Curry’s brilliance has its limits. The 37-year-old poured in 38 points on 14-of-27 shooting, including eight threes on 15 attempts.
It was a vintage Curry performance-deep range, quick release, relentless scoring. But it wasn’t enough.
The supporting cast struggled to find rhythm. No other Warriors starter cracked more than 12 points, and Jonathan Kuminga-one of the team’s key young contributors-was unable to finish the game due to injury. That left a massive void in both scoring and defensive versatility.
De’Anthony Melton did his part off the bench, chipping in 22 points, but the Mavericks countered with a more balanced offensive attack. Naji Marshall led the way with 30 points, while Cooper Flagg and Max Christie each added 21, giving Dallas a trio of scoring threats that the Warriors simply couldn’t match.
Without Butler, Golden State is being forced to recalibrate on the fly. Curry can still put the team on his back, but the margin for error is razor-thin. The Warriors will need more than just his heroics-they’ll need health, cohesion, and contributions up and down the roster if they want to stay competitive in the West.
For now, the road ahead looks steep. But with Curry still firing at an elite level, the Warriors aren’t ready to fold.