Stephen Curry 38, Warriors Face Trade Deadline Pressure

Merlin sees Stephen Curry scorch for 38 points but the Warriors still fell 123-115 to the Mavericks, their second straight loss after a four-game streak. Support was scarce, with only one other starter in double figures and fans clamoring to "get Curry some help." At 37, Curry "hasn't missed a beat," averaging 27.1 and 5.1, yet the roster hit a blow as Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending torn ACL, leaving Golden State thin and searching for answers. Merlin senses hope in flashes like De'Anthony Melton's 22 off the bench, but that cannot be a one-night miracle. The most realistic path forward is moves before the trade deadline to add reliable scoring and defense. Without reinforcements, the burden on Curry will grow heavy and the season could tilt.