Fans at the Chase Center experienced an electrifying showdown on Sunday as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, two of the NBA’s most prolific three-point shooters, faced off on the court but this time, they wore different jerseys. Thompson, now representing the Dallas Mavericks, dazzled spectators with a season-high 29 points, nailing seven three-pointers to spearhead Dallas to a thrilling victory, 143-133, against Curry’s Golden State Warriors.
Curry, still the heartbeat of the Warriors, scored 26 points and dished out 10 assists, matching Thompson's seven three-pointers but unable to shift the momentum back to his team. This game not only rekindled memories of their dominance together but also highlighted their individual talents as they sought to lead their respective teams to victory.
Luka Dončić was another key figure, orchestrated the Mavericks' offense with authority, scoring 45 points and recording 11 rebounds and 13 assists. His performance included shooting 16-of-23 from the field, and he also contributed defensively with three steals and two blocks, underscoring his all-around ability. This overwhelming offense from the Mavericks outpaced the Warriors, who had four players scoring over 20 points, including Andrew Wiggins with 29 points, Draymond Green with 21 points off the bench, and Jonathan Kuminga with 20 points.
Despite the Warriors’ respectable shooting performance—converting 50.0% of their shots—their defensive lapses allowed the Mavericks to seize control of the game. The Mavs finished with 51.2% shooting from the floor and were particularly lethal from beyond the arc, converting on 51.2% of their three-point attempts. This incredible game saw a record-breaking total of 48 combined three-pointers from both teams, with Golden State making 27 and Dallas 21. Curry and Thompson accounted for 14 of those, with each sinking seven.
This matchup was not just about the records; it reflected the continuing excellence of both players even as they transition to new roles with different teams. For Klay Thompson, who endured years of injuries and rehabilitation, his performance was particularly symbolic, showcasing his return to form after leaving the Warriors where he achieved immense success alongside Curry.
The duo had forged perhaps the most potent three-point shooting partnership the league has ever seen during their 13 seasons together on the Warriors, where they racked up nearly 6,000 three-pointers. Their legacy includes setting numerous records, including the remarkable feat of sinking the most three-pointers as teammates, highlighted during their 2022-23 season.
Sunday's game sparked excitement and buzz on social media, not just for the thrilling action but also for the realization of what the Mavericks envisioned when they signed Thompson. If he continues to replicate performances like these, the Mavericks could very well be on track to make another run for the NBA Finals.
Looking forward, the Mavericks, now boasting a solid 17-9 record, will face the Los Angeles Clippers next, presenting another opportunity for Thompson to showcase his shooting prowess alongside Dončić. Meanwhile, the Warriors, who showed promise with four players scoring over twenty points, will need to regroup quickly if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Overall, this encounter not only marked another chapter of incredible basketball talent but also illustrated the intensity of competition as both Curry and Thompson seek to cement their legacies—now as rivals instead of teammates on the path to greatness.
