In a thrilling NBA Cup showdown, Klay Thompson experienced the full force of Stephen Curry’s scoring prowess, as Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a 120-117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.
Thompson, who joined Dallas this past offseason, made his return to Chase Center, scoring 22 points and hitting six three-pointers but found himself on the losing end of Curry’s late-game scoring burst.
Thompson candidly shared his feelings postgame, admitting, “It hurts to be on the other side of one of his flurries. Guy got hot at the end and made some ridiculous shots. I know I’ve been on the other end, and it sucks.”
Curry’s late surge included the Warriors’ final 12 points, capping off a 37-point performance that ultimately dashed Dallas’ hopes of an upset.
The game was marked by Curry’s efficiency, as he shot 14-for-27 from the field and connected on five three-pointers.
Dallas had managed to carve out a 110-105 lead late in the fourth quarter after a crucial three-pointer from Thompson. However, Curry responded with a series of clutch plays that ultimately secured Golden State’s ninth win of the season.
The Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic, who returned after recovering from a groin strain, put up a strong fight. Doncic scored 31 points, added eight rebounds, and contributed six assists.
His presence kept Dallas competitive throughout the game, as he worked to set up his teammates and minimize turnovers, although the team ultimately committed 18 turnovers, which led to 21 points for Golden State.
The Warriors had trailed by 10 points at halftime but mounted a comeback in the third quarter, spurred by Curry’s dynamic play. During this quarter, Golden State went on a 20-3 run, fueled by Curry’s playmaking and fast-break opportunities.
Jonathan Kuminga also contributed off the bench, scoring 16 points, while Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton added 14 points apiece, keeping the Warriors in control heading into the final stretch.
Despite the loss, Thompson’s performance was a highlight for Dallas, as he showed precision beyond the arc, including a crucial late three-pointer that gave Dallas a temporary lead.
Additional support for the Mavericks came from rookie Dereck Lively II, who, despite a shoulder strain, recorded 12 points and eight rebounds, giving the Mavericks a defensive boost on the inside.
In the game’s critical final moments, Curry’s versatility was on full display. Beyond scoring, he contributed key assists and pulled down rebounds, helping Golden State stave off Dallas’ attempts to close the gap.
A pivotal defensive play by Moses Moody, who blocked Thompson’s three-point attempt, further tilted the momentum toward Golden State.
Curry’s last-minute free throws solidified the Warriors’ lead, securing a narrow win that pushed Golden State’s record to 9-2, while Dallas dropped to 5-6.
