The atmosphere at the Chase Center was electric on Wednesday as basketball fans witnessed a reunion that many had been eagerly anticipating. The Golden State Warriors took on the Dallas Mavericks in a game that transcended mere competition—it was an emotional homecoming for Klay Thompson. Not only was it Thompson’s first encounter with his former team, but it was also a chance for him to face off against his longtime teammate, “Splash Brother” Stephen Curry, who had spent years competing alongside him in pursuit of championships.
Tension hung in the air as the game unfolded, and it wasn’t just the scoreboard that displayed the stakes; the players felt it too. The contest couldn’t have been tighter, with both teams exchanging leads until the very last moments. Ultimately, the Warriors edged the Mavericks out with a hard-fought 120-117 victory, driven by none other than Curry’s jaw-dropping performance that had fans on their feet.
This important win propelled the Warriors to a remarkable 9-2 record, solidifying their spot at the top of the Western Conference Group C standings. Conversely, the Mavericks found themselves in a challenging position with a 5-6 record after this close encounter.
Curry came into the game with a warm mixture of excitement and melancholy. It’s always a bit strange facing off against someone who has been like a brother on the court, but it also fuels the competitive spirit that makes moments like these so special. With a game-high 37 points, Curry left no doubt about his all-star status. His clutch three-pointer, which he sank with just 27.5 seconds left, pushed the Warriors ahead by four points and ultimately sealed the victory. This memorable night also marked a personal achievement for him; according to StatMamba, Curry became the oldest point guard in NBA history to record back-to-back 30-point games. Pairing his scoring prowess with six rebounds and nine assists over 35 minutes, he showcased why he remains one of the most formidable forces in the league.
While Curry’s brilliance was on full display, the Warriors didn’t lack depth in contributing to the win. Jonathan Kuminga stepped up as a vibrant player, racking up 16 points and pulling down five rebounds. The contributions kept coming with both De’Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield scoring 14 points each, while the versatile Draymond Green added his signature blend of defense and playmaking with 11 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Andrew Wiggins also chipped in with eight points, rounding out a well-balanced offensive attack.
For Klay Thompson, the game held deep personal sentiment. It was the first time he had to go up against the Warriors in a jersey bearing a different name—one that now represented the Mavericks. In a show of resilience and skill, he registered 22 points with an impressive shooting performance: 7-for-17 overall, including 6-for-12 from downtown. He also did his part on the boards and in playmaking, contributing four rebounds and three assists. An emotional bond was clearly still present, especially in the fleeting moments of connection shared between him and Curry. A simple smile or nod exchanged after each of their deep shots spoke volumes, reflecting years of camaraderie and memories forged on the court.
On the opposing side, Luka Doncic continued to showcase his star power, leading the Mavericks with 31 points and throwing in eight rebounds and six assists during his lengthy 41 minutes on the floor. The talented Kyrie Irving also did his part with 21 points. Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II joined in with solid contributions of 15 and 12 points, respectively. Despite their valiant efforts, the Mavericks were left looking for answers following their defeat.
Looking ahead, the Warriors will aim to continue their winning streak as they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Meanwhile, Thompson and the Mavericks will be eager to bounce back against the Utah Jazz on Thursday. The emotional intensity of this matchup was a beautiful reminder of the bonds formed in sports—rivalries may ignite fierce competition, but the relationships matter deeply too.
