Stephen Curry’s 37-point performance propelled the Golden State Warriors (9-2) to a 120-117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks (5-6) on Tuesday night.
Curry delivered the Warriors’ final 12 points in an intense NBA Cup matchup, securing the win against his former teammate Klay Thompson and his new team.
Thompson, making an emotional return to Chase Center for the first time since joining Dallas, scored 22 points and connected on six 3-pointers.
He gave Dallas a late lead with a three-point shot, putting them up 110-105 before Curry took control. Curry, who shot 14-for-27 from the field and hit five 3-pointers, rallied the Warriors down the stretch to prevent a Mavericks’ upset.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 31 points, eight rebounds, and six assists after being cleared to play through a groin strain. Doncic’s return bolstered Dallas, helping them keep pace with Golden State throughout the game. However, turnovers proved costly for Dallas, as the team committed 18, leading to 21 points for the Warriors.
Golden State utilized a third-quarter surge, sparked by Curry, to erase a 10-point halftime deficit. The Warriors went on a 20-3 run, fueled by Curry’s playmaking and fast breaks, gaining a lead they held onto into the final quarter.
Jonathan Kuminga also contributed off the bench with 16 points, while Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton added 14 points apiece.
Dallas had additional support from Dereck Lively II, who overcame a shoulder strain to score 12 points and collect eight rebounds.
Thompson and Doncic were critical in Dallas’s attempt to recover, but Golden State’s defensive stops, including a key block by Moses Moody on Thompson’s 3-point attempt, proved decisive.
In the game’s closing minutes, Curry showcased his versatility with assists and rebounds, ultimately staving off Dallas’s attempt to retake the lead. Despite Thompson’s 3-pointer bringing Dallas within striking distance, Curry’s final free throws sealed the Warriors’ narrow victory.
