Golden State Warriors Defeat Dallas Mavericks 126-116
Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors welcomed Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks to the Chase Center on Thursday. The Warriors defeated the Mavericks 126-116 in the nationally televised game. Golden State improved to 16-15 and won three games in a row, while Dallas fell to 12-20.
Previously, Dallas shocked the NBA world with a 131-130 win over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. Flagg, 18, led the Mavs with 33 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 31 points, seven rebounds, and 14 assists.
Flagg and Anthony Davis received Player of the Game honors. Davis, 32, finished Tuesday’s game with 31 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Flagg’s performance propelled him to No. 1 in this week’s NBA Rookie Ladder, surpassing Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, who became the fastest player to hit 100 career three-pointers to start his NBA career.
Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks Starters
Before Thursday’s game, Warriors and Mavs players and coaches brought the holiday spirit to life by delivering comfort, generosity, and smiles to local children and families.
Golden State’s starting lineup featured Stephen Curry, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler III, Draymond Green, and Quinten Post. Golden State ruled out Seth Curry (thigh), Al Horford (back), and LJ Cryer (two-way).
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Ryan Nembhard, Naji Marshall, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington Jr., and Anthony Davis. Dallas ruled out Dante Exum (knee), Kyrie Irving (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), Moussa Cisse (two-way), and Miles Kelly (two-way).
Warriors vs. Mavericks Recap
Thursday’s game marked two significant milestones. Stephen Curry appeared in his 12th Christmas game. Cooper Flagg made his Christmas debut. In addition, Klay Thompson’s return to the Bay Area was a chance for him to reflect on his time with the Warriors.
Golden State made a bucket to open the first quarter. Golden State added a bucket for a 4-0 run. Cooper Flagg made a bucket to end Golden State’s run. Dallas added a bucket to tie the game 4-4. Max Christie provided a spark off the bench with a team-high seven points, but Golden State made 6-of-7 points. Golden State took a 40-28 lead to end the first.
Naji Marshall made a bucket to open the second quarter. Dallas went on an 8-0 run. Anthony Davis suffered a right groin spasm, went to the Mavs’ locker room, and didn’t return. Golden State sped up for a 13-point lead, 57-43, their largest of the game. Moses Moody, Stephen Curry, and Al Horford reached double-figures. Golden State took a 71-58 lead into halftime.
A Slow Start Into The Third
Both teams shrugged off a slow start to the third quarter. Curry, 37, reached 26,000 career points, becoming the 22nd player in NBA history to do so. Brandon Williams delivered with multiple buckets. Golden State took a 100-89 lead through three quarters.
The fourth quarter came with controversy. The officials called a goaltending and basket-interference foul on Trayce Jackson-Davis, which was unsuccessful. De’Anthony Melton made a late three-pointer. Golden State won 126-116 in regulation.
Final Thoughts
Golden State hits the road to face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. Sunday’s matchup likely won’t be a blowout as both teams’ records are similar. Dallas continues the three-game road trip against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Pacific. Saturday’s matchup provides Dallas an opportunity to beat a lowly Kings squad.
