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De’anthony Melton of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he was called for a foul.
The Golden State Warriors could soon welcome back one of their most impactful two-way players.
Head coach Steve Kerr said before Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks that De’Anthony Melton is expected to return Monday when Golden State visits the Washington Wizards.
Melton was held out Sunday on the front end of a back-to-back, but Kerr expressed optimism that the veteran guard will be available the following night.
The update came from reporting by Sam Gordon of the San Francisco Chronicle.
“Speaking pregame, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said he expects Kristaps Porzingis and De’Anthony Melton — out tonight versus the Knicks on the front end of a back-to-back — to play Monday against the Washington Wizards,” Gordon wrote on X.
Melton Making Strong Impact After ACL Recovery
Melton’s return to the Warriors this season has been one of the team’s quieter success stories.
The combo guard previously saw his first stint with Golden State cut short by a torn ACL, but he has returned in impressive fashion.
Melton is averaging a career-high 13.0 points per game, providing scoring, defense and playmaking for the Warriors’ backcourt.
Even more telling is his impact on advanced metrics.
According to data cited by Danny Emerman of the San Francisco Standard, the Warriors have outscored opponents by 195 total points during Melton’s minutes, the best plus-minus mark on the roster.
Melton Embraces Opportunity
Melton has long viewed himself as a player who rises to the occasion when teams face adversity.
“Throughout my career, I always feel like I’ve stepped up when the best player’s been down,” Melton said.
He pointed to previous stops in his career where he helped stabilize teams during injury stretches.
“In Memphis, with Ja going down, and the success we had with that,” Melton told The Standard, referencing Ja Morant. “Even in Philly, when Joel went down and me and Tyrese running the show.”
Warriors Need Melton’s Versatility
Melton’s value extends beyond scoring.
His defensive activity, ball-handling and ability to guard multiple positions make him a key part of Kerr’s rotation.
For a Warriors team navigating injuries across the roster, that versatility has become even more valuable.
Golden State has been without Stephen Curry for extended stretches, forcing other players to shoulder greater offensive responsibilities.
Melton’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor has helped keep the team competitive during those stretches.
Return Could Strengthen Warriors’ Final Push
If Melton returns Monday, the Warriors could begin regaining several important players simultaneously.
Kerr has also indicated that Draymond Green may also be available against Washington.
Green was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks due to lingering back issues, but Kerr suggested the veteran forward may not be sidelined much longer.
“Kerr is hopeful Draymond will play tomorrow vs. Wizards,” reported Nick Friedell of The Athletic.
With the regular season entering its final weeks, Golden State is hoping those returning veterans can help solidify the rotation and provide stability during the playoff race.
For Melton, the goal remains simple — continue proving his value whenever the Warriors need him most.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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