Stephen Curry dazzles Klay Thompson’s return as Warriors vs. Mavericks

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors gave Klay Thompson a warm welcome, but in the end it was business as usual as “both teams wanted to win.”

On November 12, Stephen Curry scored 37 points as the Warriors spoiled Thompson’s return to the Bay Area with a 120–117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round of the NBA (National Basketball Association) Cup.

Thompson – a beloved member of four NBA championship-winning Golden State teams before coming to Dallas in July – received a rapturous welcome in his first game in San Francisco.

The 34-year-old was given a guard of honor by cheering on Golden State’s staff upon his arrival at the Chase Center before fans wearing nautical hats showed their appreciation for the player who famously commuted to work in his fishing boat.

But despite delighting the home crowd with six three-pointers in a 22-point stretch, Thompson was overtaken by former teammate Curry, who put in a stunning fourth-quarter performance to take the Warriors over the line.

The Mavericks appeared poised to take the win after jumping to a six-point lead at 114-108 with just over three minutes remaining.

But Curry then took over with 10 unanswered points – including one sensational step-back three from 28 feet – to put Golden State ahead 118-114 before adding two late free throws to seal the victory.

“There was a lot of emotion, but both teams wanted to win. It was a playoff-like atmosphere, with great players making great plays. That’s why we love the competition,” Curry told TNT Television.

Thompson, meanwhile, said it felt “surreal” to line up against his former teammate.

“We’ve often guarded each other in practice for Team USA or All-Star Games, but a competitive NBA game was pretty surreal. It hurts to be on the other side of one of his fits. The guy got hot at the end and made some ridiculous shots. It’s stupid,” he said.

In other games, Joel Embiid made his long-awaited first appearance of the season, but could not prevent the Philadelphia 76ers from sliding to a 111-99 home loss to the New York Knicks.