The Golden State Warriors spoiled Klay Thompson’s much-anticipated first return to Chase Center as they escaped the Dallas Mavericks, 120-117, on Tuesday.
Steph Curry went into superhero mode in the fourth quarter, scoring the Warriors’ last 12 points to secure their first win in the NBA Cup. Curry finished with a season-high 37 points on 14-of-27 field goals. He added six rebounds, nine assists and two blocks.
Thompson, for his part, ended up with 22 points, including six three-pointers, four rebounds and three assists.
One of his long-range bombs came early in the first period. As he jogged back on defense, the former Warriors star busted out a little shimmy celebration, eliciting a smile from Curry as he watched from the bench.
The 36-year-old Curry was asked about Thompson’s gesture and gave a candid five-word response.
“He knows better than that,” said the two-time MVP in jest in the postgame interview, as shared by Courtside Buzz.
In the end, it was Curry who had the last laugh. He busted out his trademark “night, night” celebration after sinking a crucial three-pointer from the top of the key with 27 seconds left in the game. He also coolly sank two free throws to seal the victory.
The Warriors improved to 9-2 to tie the Phoenix Suns and the Oklahoma City Thunder atop the Western Conference. The Mavericks, on the other hand, fell to 5-6.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry dribbles past Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson.
Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Before the game, Golden State played an emotional tribute video for the 34-year-old Thompson, who was drafted by the Warriors as the No. 11 overall pick in 2011 and helped the team capture four championships.
He signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks in the offseason after 11 years with the Warriors.
