Warriors juggle multiple injuries as Melton returns, Spencer shines in loss to 76ers
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Golden State head coach Steve Kerr confirmed Thursday night in Philadelphia that forward Jimmy Butler underwent an MRI on his sore left knee. The 36-year-old, who sat out the second half of Tuesday’s defeat in Oklahoma City and missed Thursday’s game against the 76ers, has no firm timetable for a return.
The Warriors play a road back-to-back this weekend before a four-day break leading into their next contest on November 12, a date the club still hopes will mark Stephen Curry’s comeback from his own injury.
Melton makes season debut
Guard De’Anthony Melton provided an immediate boost off the bench in his first appearance since tearing an ACL, finishing with 14 points, three assists, two steals and a block in 21 minutes. Kerr said before tip-off that the 27-year-old would be capped at roughly 20 minutes as he adjusts to game speed.
Horford back in starting lineup
After missing four games with sciatica, Al Horford started for the first time this season against his former team. The 39-year-old shot just 1-for-8 (1-of-7 from deep) but added six rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block in 18 minutes, during which Golden State was plus-three.
Green aggravates right foot
Draymond Green left Thursday’s one-point loss late in the second quarter when Dominick Barlow fell on his right foot. Wearing a walking boot afterward, the veteran forward told reporters he intends to keep playing despite the pain. Green sprained the same foot two weeks ago when Donovan Clingan landed on it.
Standings slip, but Spencer impresses
The defeat dropped Golden State to 11-12, marking the team’s first trip below .500 this season. The Warriors trailed by as many as 26 before a frenetic fourth-quarter rally fell just short.
Two-way guard Pat Spencer, 29, fueled the comeback with 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting, four rebounds and four assists. Golden State outscored Philadelphia by 16 during his 24 minutes. Kerr said he hopes the former lacrosse star eventually earns a standard NBA deal, though the 15-man roster is currently full after the recent signing of Seth Curry.
Source: Hoops Rumors
