Stephen Curry stole the spotlight with a 37-point performance, powering the Golden State Warriors to a dramatic 120-117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA Cup opener at the Chase Center. Curry’s late-game dominance secured the win, despite an impressive night from former teammate Klay Thompson, who returned to San Francisco with a stellar 22-point performance for the Mavericks.
The Warriors’ seventh win in their last eight games came down to Curry’s unstoppable scoring stretch in the final minutes, nullifying a late Mavericks lead and marking a memorable night for both fan favorites and former “Splash Brothers” teammates.
Klay Thompson’s Emotional Return to San Francisco
Thompson, a four-time champion and 13-season veteran for the Warriors, received a heartfelt ovation from the Chase Center crowd. The pregame tribute and the overwhelming support from fans set the stage for Thompson to showcase his shooting prowess once again, hitting six 3-pointers in 12 attempts and scoring eight critical points as Dallas surged to a late lead. His performance, however, was ultimately eclipsed by Curry’s game-clinching streak.
Thompson’s contributions were crucial as the Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, battled fiercely, holding a six-point advantage with just over three minutes left on the clock. However, Curry’s response would define the game’s outcome.
Curry’s Fourth-Quarter Takeover
With the Warriors trailing 114-108 and time running out, Curry stepped up to score 12 straight points for Golden State. His clutch shooting began with a two-point basket to cut the Mavericks’ lead, followed by a go-ahead score that put the Warriors on top at 115-114 with 1:50 remaining. The Chase Center erupted as Curry then nailed a 3-pointer, putting Golden State up by four with 27.5 seconds left. He sealed the moment with his iconic “night-night” gesture, sending a message that the game was in hand.
CHEF CURRY TAKES OVER LATE.
A PERSONAL 12-3 run in the final 3 minutes to come back and win it caps his 37-point night
GSW is 1-0 in West Group C! #EmiratesNBACup pic.twitter.com/Urk3n52Zxo
— NBA (@NBA) November 13, 2024
A 3-pointer by Dallas’ Quentin Grimes gave the Mavericks one last glimmer of hope, narrowing the gap to one. However, Curry’s two free throws and Doncic’s missed attempt at a game-tying shot confirmed the Warriors’ thrilling victory.
Team Contributions Propel Golden State to Victory
Curry’s dominance was complemented by contributions from Jonathan Kuminga, who scored 16 points, and Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton, who added 14 points each. Draymond Green showcased his versatile playmaking abilities with 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks, anchoring the Warriors’ defense and helping them secure crucial possessions. Kevon Looney also made a significant impact with a game-high 11 rebounds.
Golden State’s offensive output was defined by efficiency, with Curry shooting 14-for-27 from the field, including five 3-pointers, along with six rebounds and a game-high nine assists. The Warriors demonstrated balanced team play, supporting Curry’s individual brilliance with cohesive ball movement and timely defensive stops.
Mavericks’ Strong Showing Falls Short
The Mavericks, though unable to secure the win, delivered an impressive performance. Luka Doncic led Dallas with 31 points, adding eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals, while Irving contributed 21 points and six assists. Their chemistry kept the Warriors’ defense on high alert, especially during a stretch that saw Dallas erase a two-point deficit and build a six-point lead.
In addition to Doncic and Irving, Dallas received valuable contributions from Daniel Gafford, who scored 15 points, and Dereck Lively II, who posted 12 points with eight rebounds. Despite these efforts, the Mavericks struggled in the final minutes, managing only three points in the closing stretch as Curry’s scoring surge took control.
Looking Ahead: NBA Cup Implications and Team Momentum
The victory not only bolstered Golden State’s impressive early-season record but also marked an important step in the NBA Cup, adding to the Warriors’ momentum as they continue their bid for another title. Golden State’s recent success has underscored the strength of their roster, with Curry leading the charge and a solid supporting cast making timely contributions.
For the Mavericks, the loss marks their third consecutive defeat, underscoring the need for adjustments as they seek consistency and cohesion. Thompson’s scoring ability and Doncic and Irving’s playmaking kept Dallas competitive throughout, but closing out games against top-tier opponents remains an area for improvement.
Thompson and Curry: A Night of Nostalgia and New Beginnings
The reunion between Thompson and Curry added an extra layer of nostalgia to the matchup, as fans relished the chance to see two former teammates face off in high-stakes competition. Thompson’s return to the Bay Area brought back memories of the Warriors’ championship runs, but Curry’s late-game heroics reminded fans why he remains one of the NBA’s most clutch performers.
Steph and Klay tonight:
Steph pointed at Klay after a 3-pointer.
Klay hit a Steph Shimmy after a 3-pointer.
Steph shaking his head after Klay B2B threes.
Steph stared down Klay after the and-1. pic.twitter.com/FBSVModlRA— CurryMuse (@Curry_Muse) November 13, 2024
As the season progresses, both players will look to solidify their respective team’s standing in a highly competitive Western Conference. While Curry’s Warriors continue to assert their dominance, Thompson’s Mavericks have shown the potential to challenge top teams, making future matchups between these two even more anticipated.
Final Thoughts
The Warriors’ 120-117 win over the Mavericks was a testament to Curry’s clutch abilities, as he led his team through a tense final stretch to secure victory. Thompson’s standout performance in his San Francisco return, coupled with Doncic and Irving’s contributions, showcased the Mavericks’ resilience, though they ultimately fell short. The game was a thrilling start to the NBA Cup campaign for Golden State, while Dallas now looks to regroup and refocus as the season unfolds.
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