Dallas Mavericks Storm Back To Beat Golden State Warriors 123-115
The Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors met again on Thursday night. The Mavericks defeated the Warriors 123-115 at the American Airlines Center. Dallas improved to 19-26, while Golden State fell to 25-21.
The Mavs hosted Klay Thompson Collectible Pin Night presented by Dave & Buster’s. Only the first 5,000 fans received a Captain Klay collectible pin. One fan received the lucky golden pin and won a $250 gift card to Dave & Buster’s.
Previously, Dallas beat the New York Knicks 114-97 at Madison Square Garden on Monday. Max Christie led the Mavs with 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists, along with 8-of-10 shooting from three-point range. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 22 points, 18 rebounds, and 4 assists.
In Monday’s performance, Christie, 22, had a career-high of eight three-pointers made.
Golden State fell to the Toronto Raptors 145-127 at the Chase Center on Tuesday night. Buddy Hield led the Warriors with 25 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists. Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 40 points, 2rebounds, and 10 assists.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors Starters
The Mavericks sported their “Pegasus City” jerseys, the black uniforms with silver text and blue detailing, to honor the City of Dallas’ affinity to the Pegasus that has stood watch over Dallas, Texas, since 1934.
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Christie, Naji Marshall, Cooper Flagg, Caleb Martin, and Dwight Powell. Dallas ruled out Dante Exum (knee), Kyrie Irving (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), Anthony Davis (finger), and Daniel Gafford (ankle).
Golden State’s starting lineup featured Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Gui Santos, and Draymond Green. Golden State ruled out Seth Curry (sciatic nerve-related injury) and Jimmy Butler III (torn right ACL).
Mavericks vs. Warriors Recap
Thursday night’s game between the Mavericks and Warriors served as a part of the NBA’s Rivals Week, a special week dedicated to showcasing the league’s most compelling rivals. The public’s curiosity sparked shortly after the Mavs acquired Thompson from the Warriors in a historic six-team trade in July 2024.
The Mavs went on a 6-0 run to open the first quarter, but the Warriors responded. Stephen Curry nailed back-to-back three pointers. Flagg was unstoppable on both ends of the court. Curry and Jonathan Kuminga’s scoring led the way. Golden State’s second unit, De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford, also shone. Golden State took a 27-24 lead to end the first.
Thompson nailed a three-pointer to show the home crowd a vintage “Splash Brother” glimpse in the second quarter. Marshall went coast-to-coast for the slam. Brandon Podziemski connected with Kuminga for the lob dunk. Gui Santos nailed a three-pointer for his first points of the game, and Dallas took a 55-50 lead into halftime.
Kuminga suffered left knee soreness and went to the Warriors’ locker room. The Warriors later ruled Kuminga out for the game. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the 23-year-old was diagnosed with an ankle twist and a minor knee hyperextension.
The Warriors went on an 8-0 run to open the third quarter. Podziemski went straight to the rack in full attack mode. The Mavs got on the board, took a one-point lead 70-69, but ultimately fell behind. Christie nailed a three-pointer. Marshall reached 13 points in the paint. Golden State took an 89-84 lead through three quarters.
Both teams jumped out to score in the fourth quarter. The Warriors’ shine became even more prevalent, with highlight-reel plays, such as Hield’s corner three-pointer. The officials upgraded Green’s hit on Powell to a Flagrant 1 foul. But the Mavs picked up the pace. Marshall’s defense stood out. Dallas won 123-115 in regulation.
Next Steps
The Mavericks conclude a two-game homestand vs. the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Central. The Mavs can beat the Lakers by utilizing Flagg’s skills, emphasizing teamwork, playing strong defense, and maintaining offensive readiness.
The Warriors continue the four-game road trip with the first of a back-to-back set at the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Central. The Warriors’ potential win over the Timberwolves can occur with a strong defensive approach and solid team chemistry.
