Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors spoiled Klay Thompson’s much-anticipated return to the Bay Area as a member of the Dallas Mavericks, securing a hard-fought 120-117 victory in group play for the NBA Cup on Tuesday night.
The game marked a dramatic reunion for Thompson, who spent his entire career with the Warriors before joining the Mavericks, and emotions ran high on both sides.
Curry led the way for Golden State, dropping 37 points, including the final 12 of the game for the Warriors. His clutch performance, highlighted by a late-game three-pointer, sealed the victory and sent the Chase Center crowd into a frenzy.
It was a vintage performance from Curry, reminding everyone why he remains one of the most dangerous closers in the league.
Thompson, who finished with 22 points in his return to Golden State, found himself on the wrong side of Curry’s brilliance—an experience he admitted was difficult to endure.
“It hurts to be on the other side of one of his flurries,” Thompson said after the loss. “The guy got hot at the end and made some ridiculous shots. Now that I’ve been on the other end, it sucks. But I think we play them three more times, so hopefully we can learn from it and learn their tendencies a little better. But it sucks because this was a big game for the Cup, so it’s something we just gotta digest and move forward.”
Thompson’s words reflected the frustration of a player who was used to being on the winning side of Curry’s game-winning heroics. The chemistry between Curry and Thompson—dubbed the “Splash Brothers”—was a defining feature of the Warriors’ success over the past decade. Now, as opponents, Thompson experienced firsthand the difficulty of trying to contain his former teammate’s explosive scoring ability.
The game itself was a battle from start to finish, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the night. The Mavericks put up a strong fight, led by Luka Don?i? and Thompson, who combined for a potent offensive attack. However, it was Curry’s late-game heroics that ultimately made the difference.
With just over a minute left, Curry hit a deep three-pointer to give the Warriors a lead they would not relinquish. He then followed up with a series of free throws to close out the game, much to the delight of the home crowd.
For the Mavericks, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, but Thompson remained optimistic about the future. “We have three more games against them this season,” Thompson noted. “We know what we’re up against now, and we’ll come back stronger. It’s all about learning and getting better each time we face them.”
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Thompson’s return to the Bay Area was an emotional one, as he received a warm welcome from the Golden State faithful. The fans at Chase Center gave him a standing ovation during player introductions, recognizing his contributions to the franchise’s multiple championship runs. Despite being in a different uniform, Thompson’s connection to the Warriors and their fanbase remains strong, and the appreciation was evident from both sides.
The Mavericks will have three more opportunities to face the Warriors during the regular season, and they will be looking to make the most of those matchups.
As Thompson adjusts to his new role in Dallas, he will undoubtedly use his knowledge of Golden State’s tendencies to help his team prepare for future meetings. Meanwhile, the Warriors, led by Curry, will aim to continue their strong play and build on the chemistry that has made them a formidable force once again.
For now, Steph Curry and the Warriors have the upper hand, but the rivalry between these two teams—and between two former teammates—is just beginning to heat up.
Fans can look forward to more exciting battles ahead as Thompson and the Mavericks seek redemption against Curry and the Warriors.
