A more composed Klay Thompson played a pivotal role in the Dallas Mavericks’ 143-133 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.
Thompson contributed 29 points, hitting 7-of-11 from beyond the arc.
The game made history as the Warriors and Mavericks combined for 48 made three-pointers, the most in a single NBA game.
Golden State struggled to contain Luka Doncic, who delivered an incredible performance with 45 points, 13 assists, 11 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Thompson capitalised on his opportunities, going 9-of-14 from the field.
The crowd offered polite applause during line-up announcements, a contrast to the emotional reception he received in November when he faced the Warriors for the first time since leaving the team.
A special one in Golden State for The Cap 🫡@KlayThompson // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/RQXblAFtER
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 16, 2024
That November game had been a celebration of Thompson’s legacy with the Warriors, where he spent over a decade and helped the franchise secure four NBA championships.
Fans wore captain’s hats in honour of Thompson’s love of sailing, and Warriors employees lined up to greet him with a tip of the hat.
Thompson admitted that the emotions of the night had affected his performance, though he still managed 22 points in a narrow 120-117 loss.
This time, the environment was much more subdued. “Way easier,” Thompson said about his second matchup against Golden State.
“Especially not seeing all the captain’s hats. I saw a few of those. Much easier. Felt more settled in than the first time I was out here.”
The Mavericks are in red-hot form, winning 12 of their last 14 games. Conversely, the Warriors, after a strong 12-3 start to the season, have now lost eight of their last ten games.
Golden State is looking to reinvigorate its roster, completing a trade to acquire point guard Dennis Schroder.
DUB. MAVS WIN!!!@Chime // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/v2v1ghHu95
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 16, 2024
Since Thompson’s departure, the Warriors have been searching for another consistent scorer to support Stephen Curry.
Meanwhile, Thompson is adapting to his role with the Mavericks, which now includes the challenge of guarding his former team-mate.
“It’s different but I am getting more accustomed to it with each time we face each other,” Thompson said of defending Curry.
“We guarded each other plenty of times in practices and scrimmages. You always cherish the moments you get to face the best players.
“It’s cool I get to say I guarded Steph like I guarded Kobe [Bryant] and KD [Kevin Durant]. It’s another story I get to tell.”
Curry also had a strong showing, matching Thompson’s seven made three-pointers.
The duo made history as the first pair of players in NBA history to each hit seven or more threes in a game both as team-mates and as opponents.
The two will next face each other in February, with one game scheduled in Dallas and another in San Francisco.
