Klay Thompson’s return to the Bay Area as a member of the Dallas Mavericks was filled with mixed emotions for fans and players alike. After spending 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson was back in Chase Center—but this time, on the opposing team’s bench. The night was charged with excitement, nostalgia, and the kind of electricity that only the biggest games can deliver.
As the game clock ticked under 30 seconds, Stephen Curry found himself in a familiar position. The Warriors were clinging to a narrow lead, and the ball was in his hands. Across from him stood Dallas Mavericks rookie center Dereck Lively II, tasked with containing one of the most dangerous offensive players in NBA history. Curry danced his way to the top of the three-point line, created just enough space to launch a shot, and drained it. The arena erupted as Curry celebrated with his signature “Night Night” gesture, a move that has come to symbolize his knack for delivering knockout blows in clutch moments. He didn’t stop there. He chest-bumped teammate Buddy Hield, grabbed his jersey to emphasize the words “Golden State,” and yelled toward the crowd and cameras. It was raw emotion, the kind of unfiltered response that reminds everyone why Curry is the heart and soul of this team.
This moment was the final act of Curry’s personal 10-0 run in the last four minutes of the game, a stretch that turned a six-point deficit into a three-point victory. The Warriors defeated the Mavericks 120-117 in a game that served as a perfect snapshot of what makes Curry so special. His ability to rise to the occasion, especially in high-pressure situations, has been the cornerstone of Golden State’s success for over a decade. On this night, his brilliance overshadowed Thompson’s emotional homecoming.
The Warriors started the game strong, controlling the pace in the first quarter and setting the tone early. But as the game progressed, the Mavericks found ways to keep themselves in the contest. Luka Doncic orchestrated the offense with his usual poise, while Thompson chipped in with timely buckets, reminding everyone why he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Despite the Warriors’ best efforts, they found themselves trailing heading into the final minutes of the game. That’s when Curry decided to take over.
With just under three minutes remaining, Curry used a screen from Draymond Green to shake free from Luka Doncic’s defense. As Daniel Gafford closed out to contest the shot, Curry unleashed a 28-foot three-pointer that swished through the net, cutting into the Mavericks’ lead. The shot seemed to ignite something within him, as he followed it up moments later with a graceful scoop layup in traffic. Then came the dagger—a step-back three over Lively that put the Warriors up by three and sent the crowd into a frenzy. Even Curry acknowledged that celebrating with his “Night Night” move at that moment was risky, given the slim margin. But that’s the kind of confidence that defines his game.
On the very next possession, Dallas answered with a three-pointer from Quentin Grimes, making it a one-point game with 20 seconds left. The tension in the arena was palpable, but Curry remained calm. He finished the night with a season-high 37 points, shooting 14-of-27 from the field and 5-of-12 from beyond the arc. His stat line also included nine rebounds and two steals, a testament to his all-around impact on the game. While the spotlight was on Curry, the victory was a team effort, with key contributions from Green, Hield, and others who played their roles to perfection.
The Mavericks, for their part, showed resilience and poise throughout the contest. Doncic, as always, was the focal point of their offense, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. Thompson, in his first game back at Chase Center as a Maverick, displayed the scoring ability that made him a staple of the Warriors’ dynasty. However, Dallas struggled to contain Curry down the stretch. Their defense was solid for much of the game, but against a player of Curry’s caliber, sometimes there’s simply no answer.
The Warriors leaned heavily on pick-and-rolls in the final minutes, using them to pull Lively out of the paint and create scoring opportunities. Whether it was Curry attacking the rim, finding open teammates on the perimeter, or pulling up for deep threes, the strategy proved effective. Golden State’s decision-making in crunch time was a stark contrast to earlier stretches of the game when they seemed rushed and out of rhythm.
For Thompson, the game was a bittersweet experience. Returning to the place where he built his legacy, he received a warm reception from the fans who cheered for him throughout his career. Yet, being on the losing side of a game-deciding flurry by his former teammate had to sting. It was a reminder of what made their partnership so special during their time together—Curry’s ability to deliver in the clutch and Thompson’s knack for rising to the occasion in big moments.
Here’s the thing folks: As the final buzzer sounded, the Warriors walked off the court with a hard-fought victory, while the Mavericks were left to ponder what might have been. For Golden State, the win was about more than just another tally in the standings. It was a statement that even in the absence of longtime stalwarts like Thompson, this team remains a force to be reckoned with. For Curry, it was a chance to remind everyone why he’s still one of the most electrifying players in the game.
With that… Thompson’s return to the Bay highlighted the deep connections he forged during his time with the Warriors, while Curry’s heroics underscored his continued dominance. As the season unfolds, both players will undoubtedly have more moments to define their respective journeys. But for one night, all eyes were on Chase Center, where old friends became competitors and a familiar hero took center stage once again.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them!