It’s no secret that it hasn’t been the greatest start to the season for the Golden State Warriors, but they can at least relish the fact that they took home a win in primetime on Christmas Day against No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis and the Dallas Mavericks. 

The Warriors put together an impressively balanced performance in the 126-116 win, led by 23 points from Stephen Curry despite him going an inefficient 2-of-10 from 3-point range. The Warriors’ bench was the focal point in Thursday’s win, with four double-digit scorers led by 16 points from DeAnthony Melton.

Melton was signed by the Warriors ahead of the start of the season in October and made his return from a torn ACL on Dec. 4, exactly one year after he underwent surgery on his injured knee. Melton is averaging 7.5 points, 2.1 assists and 1.3 rebounds since making his return. 

Melton’s 16 points on Thursday were his season-high and his first double-figure scoring output since he put up 14 points and 13 points in his first two games this season, respectively. His performance on Christmas Day suggests he could play a bigger role off the bench for the Warriors as he continues to get back to 100 percent.

"Just going out there, being aggressive,” Melton said. “I've kinda said that from the jump, and I think that's kind of what the team wants from me too. When you got everybody being aggressive, I mean we got like 12, 13 dudes that can go out there and play. Just kind of play my game and understand what needs to be done during the game too at the same time.”

While the scoring hasn’t been the most consistent, the Warriors really rely on what Melton brings defensively off the bench. 

“On the other end defensively, I mean that's who I am,” Melton said. “That's who I'm always gon' be, so just trying to figure that out. And obviously, just trying to get some of these better players some help and relief."

The biggest obstacle for Melton upon his return has been getting his lungs and legs back to peak form after missing so much time with the ACL injury. Perhaps Thursday’s outing was a sign that he’s turned the corner in that regard, as he played a season-high 24 minutes.

"I'm just trying to keep working through it,” Melton said. “I think, definitely, my conditioning has gotten better. Before, my first five minutes of the game, I feel like I'm ready to pass out. But now, I feel a lot better, I feel like I can play a lot longer. That's what I'm happy about, and I'm just trying to keep working."