Kristaps Porziņģis and De’Anthony Melton combined for 57 points in Golden State’s 125-117 home win over the Wizards on Monday, halting the Warriors’ five-game skid and offering a preview of a potential 2026-27 lineup if both free agents return.
Porziņģis, who will enter unrestricted free agency this summer, said he is “working my way back into good shape” and called the performance “a pretty big step forward.” Melton is expected to decline his $3.5 million player option to test the market.
If the Warriors re-sign both players, next season’s projected starting group could feature Porziņģis at center, Draymond Green and Gui Santos at forward, and a backcourt of Stephen Curry and Melton, with Jimmy Butler joining once he completes rehab on a torn right ACL.
Kerr Reaches 600 Wins
Monday’s result made Steve Kerr the 28th coach in NBA history to reach 600 regular-season victories and only the seventh to achieve the milestone with one franchise. “I owe the honor to incredible talent and a great organization,” Kerr said, praising ownership for assembling “an amazing group of people.”
Butler Eyes Return Next Season
Butler, who underwent ACL surgery on Feb. 9, rejoined the team this week and said he plans to play at some point next season. “Whenever my body’s ready, I promise I’m trying to get back out there,” he told reporters.
Injury Report
Al Horford, Stephen Curry, Seth Curry and Moses Moody have been ruled out for Wednesday’s game against Boston. Quinten Post (foot) and LJ Cryer (hamstring) are listed as questionable.
Source: Hoops Rumors
