The Golden State Warriors: A Rising Force with Trace Jackson-Davis and Klay Thompson

The Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets have faced off many times, but what was once labeled as a rivalry is now anything but. With the Warriors winning six consecutive games, their dominance is undeniable. A big part of this newfound success comes from an unexpected source: the budding chemistry between Trace Jackson-Davis and Klay Thompson, a partnership that has transformed the Warriors into a more versatile and dangerous team.

While comparing them to the legendary duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal may be a stretch, their growing connection on the court has certainly boosted Golden State’s offense. The Warriors are no longer just a team that relies on Steph Curry to perform miracles; they have evolved into a more dynamic unit where different players contribute to the offensive rhythm, and their success is a product of that balance.

Chemistry on the Court: Trace and Klay

This chemistry between Trace Jackson-Davis and Klay Thompson, especially in pick-and-roll scenarios, has added a new layer to the Warriors’ offensive schemes. Plays that previously revolved around Steph Curry have diversified, giving defenses more to worry about. For instance, one notable play saw Chris Paul feed Klay, who set up Jackson-Davis for a perfectly timed pass. Rather than rushing the pass, Klay drew the defender over before threading a beautiful assist to Trace, resulting in an and-one play.

Klay’s presence on the floor has long been a headache for defenses, particularly when his shooting is on point. This was evident in the Rockets game, where Trace set screens for Klay, leaving the defense scrambling to cover both players. In one such play, Klay drew multiple defenders before delivering a quick pass to Trace for an easy bucket.

The pair’s understanding of each other’s movements has become second nature. On another occasion, the Warriors ran a typical split action with Klay, but when the Rockets anticipated this, Klay cut back to the corner, receiving a well-timed pass from Chris Paul. He then immediately passed to Trace, who capitalized with a dunk. The fluidity of their offense, particularly with these two on the court, has allowed the Warriors to generate open looks at an astonishing rate.

The Decision Dilemma for Defenses

The presence of Trace Jackson-Davis on the floor has created difficult choices for opposing defenses. Do they stick with Trace to prevent easy points in the paint, or do they double up on one of the greatest shooters in NBA history? Either decision leaves gaps in their defense, which the Warriors have exploited with consistency. Steve Kerr has acknowledged this new dynamic, praising the lineup that includes Trace as a starter.

What makes this development even more impressive is that Trace Jackson-Davis was drafted 57th overall in last year’s NBA draft. Players selected this late are rarely expected to make an impact, let alone start as rookies on a playoff-contending team. The fact that Trace is not only starting but thriving in this role highlights his rapid development and adaptation to the NBA game.

Trace Jackson-Davis: More Than Just a Scorer

Trace’s game goes beyond just being a big body to finish at the rim. His court vision and passing ability are becoming more apparent with each game. On one occasion, after setting a screen for Steph Curry, Trace drew the defense’s attention and quickly kicked the ball to Klay in the corner for a three-pointer. This kind of decision-making is rare for a rookie big man and shows just how versatile Jackson-Davis is.

The Warriors have also benefited from Trace’s confidence, which continues to grow. His willingness to make plays for others is matched by his ability to finish in the paint, often in highlight-reel fashion. One moment that stands out is when he pulled off a smooth alley-oop, a play that not only demonstrated his athleticism but also his ability to read the defense and make the right decision on the fly.

The Kaminga Conundrum

While Trace has made his mark, his emergence has created a tough decision for Steve Kerr regarding the role of Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga has been excellent this season, showing growth in his scoring ability and defense. However, the Warriors’ offense seems to operate more efficiently with Trace in the starting lineup. His ability to roll to the basket, catch lobs, and facilitate from the pick-and-roll has freed up Draymond Green to wreak havoc off the ball, something that Kuminga’s skill set doesn’t provide in the same way.

The question now becomes whether Kuminga can accept a bench role, at least for the rest of the season. A bench unit featuring Kuminga, along with Moses Moody, Chris Paul, and others, could elevate the Warriors’ second unit from good to great. The last time the Warriors had a scorer of Kuminga’s caliber coming off the bench was Jordan Poole during their 2021 championship run, a key factor in their success.

While it may be difficult for Kuminga to embrace this role, there’s no doubt that he remains a future star in the league, and his time as a starter will come. For now, though, the team’s balance and success might depend on his willingness to adapt.

Stephen Curry: The Constant Force

It’s impossible to talk about the Warriors without discussing Stephen Curry. While much of the focus has been on the emergence of Trace and Klay’s resurgence, Curry remains the heartbeat of this team. After struggling through a shooting slump earlier in the season, Curry showed signs of breaking out during the recent win streak, including an impressive performance against Houston.

Curry’s ability to finish at the rim, despite being a small guard, remains one of the most underrated aspects of his game. Against elite defenders like Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks, Curry utilized hesitation moves, crossovers, and his unmatched touch around the basket to score in ways that left fans and defenders alike in awe. Plays like these underscore why Curry is not just a prolific shooter but also one of the best finishers in NBA history.

The Warriors’ Outlook

The Warriors’ six-game winning streak has given them a much-needed boost and solidified their standing as one of the top teams in the Western Conference. With Draymond Green back and the team playing with renewed energy, the Warriors have climbed into the top six in winning percentage since mid-January. However, the challenge remains, as many of the league’s best teams are also in the West, creating a competitive landscape.

While the Warriors have plenty of work to do to remain at the top, their recent performances suggest they are more balanced than at the start of the season. Steph’s resurgence, the chemistry between Trace and Klay, and the potential for Kuminga to anchor the second unit give the team hope as they push toward the playoffs. If Curry can continue to play at an MVP level, and the team maintains this level of cohesion, the Warriors could once again be a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.

In a Western Conference packed with talent, the Warriors’ ability to adapt and leverage the strengths of their supporting cast will be critical. The emergence of Trace Jackson-Davis may just be the unexpected spark that pushes them over the edge.