De’Anthony Melton Leading Warriors in Plus-Minus Since Christmas

Where the Warriors stand

The Golden State Warriors are still fighting for a playoff spot and have had a mixed stretch since the turn of the year, going 10-8 as they try to climb into one of the top six seeds in the West and avoid the play-in. Injuries have been a factor: Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have missed time, and around the league there have been significant absences as well, including a torn ACL that has ended one star’s season.

Melton’s surge and why it matters

One player who’s really stepped up is De’Anthony Melton. Since returning from last season’s ACL tear, he’s steadily gotten healthier and more comfortable, and has produced multiple 20-point outings in the new calendar year. More strikingly, Melton has posted the best plus-minus in the NBA since December 25th — the Warriors are +211 with him on the court — which is exactly the kind of two-way impact coach Steve Kerr covets.

Melton has shown strong defense and has been one of the primary on-ball creators beyond the team’s top stars. He’s averaging about 11.8 points per game and recently made his first start of the season against Phoenix, a sign he’s becoming a regular part of the rotation. With the trade of Jonathan Kuminga opening up more wing minutes, Melton looks likely to play an important role down the stretch as Golden State tries to lock up a better seed; the team sits at 28-24 and currently holds the eighth spot in the Western Conference.