Warriors Begin Road Trip in Dallas Searching for Answers Without Jimmy Butler
The Golden State Warriors are hitting the road for a four-game swing, starting Thursday night in Dallas against the Mavericks. Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. PT, and fans can catch the action on Prime Video or NBC Sports Bay Area.
This trip comes at a pivotal time for Golden State, who are fresh off a 6-2 homestand that ended on a sour note - a 145-127 loss to the Toronto Raptors. That game marked the team’s first without Jimmy Butler, who was officially ruled out for the season after tearing his ACL the night before. And if Tuesday was any indication, the Warriors have their work cut out for them in figuring out how to fill the void he leaves behind.
Life Without Butler Begins - And It’s Already Complicated
There’s no sugarcoating it: Butler’s absence was immediately felt. The Raptors poured in 41 points in the opening quarter, and the Warriors never really recovered.
The defense looked disjointed, the rotations were shaky, and the offense lacked the kind of two-way balance Butler brought every night. Golden State made a few pushes in the second half, but Toronto kept them at arm’s length throughout.
Butler was averaging 20 points per game this season, but his impact went far beyond the box score. He was a tone-setter - a physical, high-IQ player who could create, defend, and lead.
Replacing that kind of presence isn’t a one-man job. But on Tuesday, one Warrior stepped up in a big way.
Jonathan Kuminga Returns - And Makes a Statement
After being out of the rotation for 16 straight games, Jonathan Kuminga returned with a bang, dropping 20 points in just 21 minutes. It was a reminder of the talent that made him such an intriguing piece of the Warriors’ young core - and a sign that he might be ready for more.
Kuminga’s absence had raised eyebrows, especially after reports surfaced that he’d requested a trade. Head coach Steve Kerr had cited lineup fit - particularly with Butler and Draymond Green - as the reason for Kuminga’s extended time on the bench. But with Butler now sidelined for the season, Kuminga suddenly finds himself with an opportunity to carve out a meaningful role.
Whether this is a temporary stopgap or the beginning of a longer-term solution remains to be seen. The Feb. 5 trade deadline is looming, and Kuminga’s future with the team is still in question. But for now, he’s back in the mix - and the Warriors need every bit of what he can give them.
What to Watch as the Warriors Face Dallas
Thursday’s matchup in Dallas is more than just Game 46 on the schedule - it’s a test of how the Warriors adjust to life without Butler. Expect to see more experimentation with rotations, particularly with Kuminga, Moses Moody, and rookie Quinten Post, who’s been slotted into the starting lineup alongside Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski, and Draymond Green.
The offense still runs through Curry, of course, but Golden State will need to find new ways to generate consistent scoring and defensive stops. The Mavericks present a tough challenge, especially on their home floor, and the Warriors can’t afford another slow start like the one they had against Toronto.
This road trip could go a long way in shaping how the rest of the season unfolds - and whether this team, as currently constructed, can stay afloat in a crowded Western Conference playoff race.
Projected Starters - Golden State Warriors
- PG: Steph Curry
- SG: Brandin Podziemski
- SF: Moses Moody
- PF: Draymond Green
- C: Quinten Post
Game Info
- Opponent: Dallas Mavericks
- When: Thursday, January 22nd
- Time: 4:30 p.m. PT
- Where to Watch: Prime Video, NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors are entering a new chapter - one without Jimmy Butler. How they respond over these next four games could tell us a lot about what’s next.