Warriors display impressive offensive attack in rout against Mavericks

The Warriors’ offense came back versus the Mavericks on Jan. 25.

After a couple of games where the team struggled to put the ball into the San Francisco Bay, the team exploded with a total of 130 points, their highest outing since the 42-point blowout in Chicago.

Everyone got in on the action, as there were six players in double-digits.

"I think we went back to where we started," Warriors rookie Jonathan Kuminga said. "Whenever the ball moved inside, it helped everyone get an easy bucket, the ball moved the right way, and it felt good."

Strength in Numbers

The Warriors came into this game averaging 105.3 points over the past three games, a little under their 110.7 offensive rating.

The bench outscored the starters 71 to 59. Led by 22 points from the rookie and 17 points from guard Jordan Poole, the second unit put together essential runs that kept the offense afloat and the game out of reach.

The 17 points from Poole were critical since this was one of his best games coming off the bench with Klay Thompson returning. JP had a stretch of seven straight points in the second quarter and another eight-point stretch in the third.

Warriors fans envisioned this production from Poole. Once Klay and Steph rest, JP can use his microwave scoring abilities to keep the offense flowing while giving the superstars some ample rest.

Klay Thompson Flourishes in New Rotation

There was a slight but impactful change to the Warriors rotation regarding Klay's minutes.

After two and a half weeks since his return, Head Coach Steve Kerr slightly increased Klay's minutes. As a result, Klay will play the first five minutes of the opening quarters and three shorter stints throughout the game.

The logic behind this strategy is to get Klay into a rhythm and avoid those long stretches of him sitting on the bench. Instead, Klay looked like his former self, as he got most of his points by spotting up and moving without the ball.

"I don't think we needed it, but it was definitely well welcomed," Klay said. "I was happy that I was able to uptick my minutes tonight. This was probably the season-high for me 25 minutes. I really pride myself on my efficiency, so it felt good to be myself again."

His first points came from a backdoor cut, resulting in an easy layup. Then, off of great ball movement, it was a simple catch-and-shoot that got Klay his first three of the night.

Once again, the ball found its way to Klay, who swished the left corner three. After receiving a dribble hand-off from Nemanja Bjelica, Klay took two dribbles and found some room to hit his third straight three.

"I'm such a competitor," Klay said. "I just want to get it all back in one night, especially when you're off a couple of years. But I'm at my best when I'm just playing within the flow of the offense and letting my game come to me."

The splash brother finished with 15 points on an efficient 6-for-10 shooting while shooting 60% from three. He also had six assists, a few of which added some dramatic flair.

"Me growing up, watching Klay play basketball, I never really seen him pass the ball the way he did today," Kuminga said. "So, it's surprising. But just having him on the floor, it means a lot because it's going to help you out."

The Warriors continue the homestand versus the Timberwolves on Jan. 27.