Stephen Curry rarely puts labels on teammates unless he believes they fit exactly what the Warriors need. Last year, De’Anthony Melton was a “prototypical” two-way guard, a comment that stood out given Melton’s minimal role and slow return from ACL surgery. On Wednesday, that tag finally got an on-court proof behind it during Golden State’s 120-113 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Chase Center.
Melton did not start, played limited minutes, and was still clearly being managed by Steve Kerr, but his impact was unmistakable. In 25 minutes off the bench, Melton delivered his best performance since returning, showing why Curry’s praise was never about potential and always about fit.
Steve Kerr’s Minutes Restriction Didn’t Stop De’Anthony Melton From Shaping the Game
Steve Kerr made it clear before the showdown that Melton’s participation will remain controlled as he continues to work back from a year-long ACL recovery. Against Milwaukee, even with limited shots, he stayed central to the crew’s efforts. Scoring 22 points, Melton made 8 of 12 shots, hitting five threes in 9 attempts. What stood out was how smoothly each bucket came, not how many were taken.
Most of Melton’s scoring came within the natural flow of the Warriors’ O-line. Playing alongside Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Al Horford, he consistently benefited from defensive attention being pulled away, but the difference on this night was his readiness to punish those rotations. Earlier in his return, he was getting the same looks without converting them. Against the Bucks, he made them pay.
Postgame, an X post captured Kerr’s thinking clearly.
It reads, “Steph Curry called De’Anthony Melton a ‘prototypical’ starting shooting guard. Steve Kerr said they will keep Melton in a bench role, limiting minutes (25 tonight), but when he gets clearance to play 30 per night, Melton often will. He’s been closing.”
Steph Curry called De’Anthony Melton a “prototypical” starting shooting guard. Steve Kerr said they will keep Melton in a bench role, limiting minutes (25 tonight), but when he gets clearance to play 30 per night, Melton often will. He’s been closing. pic.twitter.com/wxKQzlN7rW
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 8, 2026
HC held him back, not because of his performance. Instead, he is protecting him physically while still trusting him in closing lineups. In the court, the star finished games by defending, spacing the floor, and making the right reads without disrupting the rhythm.
Defensively, as you can see, Melton has remained consistent with what the Warriors have valued from him since last season. Focused right from the first move, he called out every switch, staying sharp so turnovers didn’t hand Golden State extra chances. On offense, clean shooting stretched the floor just enough – critical when Curry pulls two defenders, opening lanes others can use.
The Warriors do not need Melton to be a primary scorer. They need him to be reliable, switchable, and decisive. On January 7, he was all three, even in limited minutes. Curry’s “prototypical” label now reflects reality, not projection, and Kerr’s cautious approach looks less like restraint and more like long-term planning.
