The Golden State Warriors emerged 120-117 winners over the Dallas Mavericks in the first clash between the two franchises, with this matchup serving as Klay Thompson's return to Golden State after he left the franchise for the Mavericks this summer.
Klay got off to a hot start and nailed some early jumpers, shimmying down the court as a result. That early taunt came back to haunt him, as Stephen Curry would take over late to win the game for the Warriors. Curry reacted to Klay's taunt in his post-game interview.
Allie LaForce: "What were you thinking when you saw him pull the shimmy off?"
Stephen Curry: "He knows better than that."
This was an incredible matchup, going down to the wire, and was won by Curry in the clutch. He scored the Warriors' final 12 points as the Mavericks scored only three over that stretch to transform a six-point deficit into a three-point win. Curry ended the night with 37 points (14-27 FG), six rebounds, and nine assists.
Klay scored 22 points (7-17 FG, 6-12 3PT) in the loss. He reflected on the matchup against Curry after the game, expressing how it hurt to be on the wrong side of a trademark Steph flurry.
"It was fun to match up with Steph. We've guarded each other plenty in practice at Team USA camps and All-Star games. In a competitive NBA game, it was really surreal. After a few minutes, it was just basketball, and yeah, it hurts to be on the other side of one of his flurries. The guy got hot at the end and made some ridiculous shots. I've been on the other end of that, it sucks."
Klay also openly discussed how he felt to be back playing against the Warriors for the first time in his career.
"It was a really cool experience, I appreciate the fans very much. The captain's hat ended up being a great touch because I am such a passionate boater. Saw a lot of familiar faces in the crowd so it was a warmhearted feeling. It was really cool to see the fans' gratitude toward me, it's something I'll never take for granted. It was very awesome."
Curry was the better performer on the night, but Klay had an impressive showing for his first game back in the Chase Center. The Mavs will hope to get their revenge on February 12, 2025, when they face each other again.
Stephen Curry Reflected On His First Matchup Against Klay Thompson
Curry also spoke openly about Klay's first game against the Warriors after the game, calling it a perfect outcome because he and the Warriors got the win while Klay had a solid individual showing in front of a fanbase that still loves him.
"It was a memorable night for sure. Even since July when Klay decided to go to Dallas to us showing up for training camp and him not being there. It was a slow build to this night for everyone. It was a different look for everyone, you know Klay in a new uniform."
"Granted, we won so I can say this, I couldn't imagine it going any other way. He played well, the crowd got an amazing show, and it went down to the wire. Can't really draw it up any better. We've got some special memories to reflect on. He was here for 13 years, four championships, and everything we accomplished to turn the page to where we are right now. "
Curry is averaging 23.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists this season, leading the Warriors to a 9-2 record through the first 11 games. The Mavericks are 5-6, hoping to get some relief from injuries with the return of PJ Washington sometime this week.
The Warriors will host the Memphis Grizzlies next, while the Mavericks face the Utah Jazz on the road.
