The Golden State Warriors bounced back in a big way against the Portland Trail Blazers, picking up a 119-97 victory after playing extremely well both offensively and defensively. The Blazers were undermanned, playing without multiple rotational players, including star Deni Avdija for the first time this season, and the Warriors made sure to take full advantage. 

The game served as a "get-right" game, giving many veterans, such as Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, extra rest, while also allowing some of the second unit to get more play.

One player to truly utilize this time was De'Anthony Melton. Coming off of an ACL tear he suffered last November, Melton has been on a minutes restriction this year and has struggled with his shot and overall scoring since returning to the lineup.

However, his shooting percentages and confidence have steadily ticked up as the days go by, and he put forth his best game of the season on Tuesday, leading the team in scoring with a season-high 23 points.

After the game, Green discussed how he thought Melton had been playing and how much he contributes to the team.

“He’s putting the ball on the floor a lot more than he has in the past. But just really having another ball-handler, playmaker. He’s starting to shoot the ball really well and obviously we know what he’s capable of defensively. Just adding a different dynamic, especially to that group he plays mostly with.”

Green also expressed his feelings towards Melton's return from such a major injury.

"It’s great. We thought he was very important to this team before he got hurt (last season), then obviously everything that happened. So for him to come back was a big gift for us. To see how he’s playing now that he’s back from the injury, the minutes are starting to go up, although he’s been doing these in under 20 minutes still, although the restriction has gone up. Very happy for him because I know the work that he put in to get back.”

Even in his limited minutes, Melton has been invaluable to the Warriors. He was +20 in just 18 minutes against the Blazers, raising his season-long plus/minus to +109 in the 16 games since he returned to the court.

This 23-point game thrust Melton into a double-digit point average this season, single-handedly raising it from 9.7 points per game to 10.6 points per game.

In addition, his field goal percentage went up over 2%, while his three-point percentage rose over 3% — Melton is now shooting 42% from the field and 31% from three.

Since Christmas, when Melton seemed to turn the corner, he has been averaging nearly 14 points per game while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from three-point range, showcasing the efficient offense he can provide while playing capable perimeter defense and handling playmaking duties.

Melton is sure to get more playing time as the season goes on, as he continues to contribute and shake off any lasting rust from the injury. His presence has steadied the Warriors over the past few weeks and will be important down the stretch.