SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — In a thrilling NBA Cup game on Tuesday night, Stephen Curry delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 37 points and notching all of Golden State’s final 12 points to lead the Warriors to a nail-biting 120-117 victory over Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks. Curry’s clutch play down the stretch showcased his ability to perform under pressure, coming alive when his team needed him the most.
Klay Thompson, making an emotional return to Chase Center for the first time since joining the Mavericks in July, contributed 22 points. His presence at the arena brought an electric atmosphere, as fans were eager to welcome back the beloved former Warrior.
Despite dealing with a left groin strain, Luka Doncic started the game and had a commendable outing, finishing with 31 points, eight rebounds, and six assists after the coaching staff cleared him to play following a successful warmup routine, highlighting his resilience and determination to help his team.
In a touching tribute, the Warriors presented captain hats to fans as a nod to Thompson’s cherished tradition of taking his boat across the bay for games. Thompson shared a heartfelt embrace with Curry moments before tipoff, signaling their enduring camaraderie. After hitting a pivotal 3-pointer to give Dallas a brief 110-105 lead, it was Curry who seized control and swung momentum back in Golden State’s favor.
Curry exhibited his sharpshooting prowess, going 14 for 27 from the field, including five 3-pointers, while also contributing nine assists and six rebounds. His remarkable play sparked a dominating 20-3 run to kick off the third quarter, reinvigorating the home crowd and illustrating the Warriors’ capacity to rally when the stakes are high.
Takeaways
Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga provided a strong spark off the bench with 16 points, while Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton added 14 points each, marking Melton’s third consecutive game scoring in double figures as his consistency continues to bolster the Warriors’ efforts.
Key moment
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Warriors guard Moses Moody showcased his athleticism by attempting to dunk over Thompson with 9:40 left in the second quarter. Although Moody was met with a hard foul that sent him to the free-throw line instead of securing the highlight-reel dunk, the play underscored the competitive spirit and physicality of the matchup. Thompson also took on the defensive challenge in the fourth quarter, matching up against his replacement, Hield.
Key stat
Remarkably, Curry fouled Thompson just 15 seconds into the game, allowing Thompson to score the opening two points at the free-throw line. After a slow start in which he missed his initial two shots, Thompson eventually found his rhythm, nailing a crucial 3-pointer with just 1:26 remaining in the first quarter to ignite the Mavericks’ offense.
Up next
The Mavericks will travel to Utah to challenge the Jazz on Thursday night, while the Warriors gear up to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, continuing their pursuit of victory in the competitive NBA landscape.
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AP NBA:
**Interview with NBA Analyst, Sports Enthusiast, and Former Player Jason Miller**
**Editor:** Thanks for joining us today, Jason! What an exciting game we witnessed on Tuesday night. Stephen Curry’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, especially in those final moments. How would you assess his play down the stretch?
**Jason Miller:** Thanks for having me! Curry was absolutely phenomenal. Scoring all of Golden State’s last 12 points shows not just his skill, but also his mental toughness. In crunch time, he elevated his game, which is what you expect from a player of his caliber. It’s like he thrives under that pressure—it really is a joy to watch.
**Editor:** Absolutely. And let’s not forget Klay Thompson’s emotional return. How do you think the fans reacted to him being back at Chase Center?
**Jason Miller:** The atmosphere was electric! Klay has such a deep connection with Warriors fans—he’s a franchise icon. The tribute with the captain hats was a fantastic touch, highlighting not only his journey but the love the fans have for him. Seeing him embrace Curry before tipoff was a poignant reminder of their bond, both on and off the court.
**Editor:** Indeed. It was a beautiful moment. Then there’s Luka Doncic, who played through a left groin strain. His resilience is admirable—how does it impact the Mavericks as they move forward in the season?
**Jason Miller:** Luka’s determination speaks volumes about his character and leadership. Even with the injury, he put up impressive numbers. He’s a vital piece for the Mavericks, and his willingness to play through pain shows his commitment. However, they’ll have to manage his health carefully moving forward, considering they can’t afford to lose him for long stretches.
**Editor:** A valid point. Looking at the game what can the Warriors take away from this victory, especially as the season progresses?
**Jason Miller:** This win proves that the Warriors still have that competitive edge. They can rely on Curry to step up in critical moments, and that confidence is essential as they aim for another championship run. The chemistry between players like Curry and Thompson remains strong, which is crucial as they continue to gel with each other and adapt to the season.
**Editor:** Great insights, Jason! Thanks for breaking down that thrilling game for us. It certainly set the stage for what’s shaping up to be an exciting NBA season.
**Jason Miller:** My pleasure! I can’t wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds.
