Warriors edge Mavericks in Thompson’s emotional return to Chase Center
The Golden State Warriors secured a dramatic 120-117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, marking the first time their championship core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green competed against each other after 12 seasons together.
Thompson’s summer move to Dallas split one of the NBA’s most successful trios, who together led Golden State to four championships, six NBA Finals appearances, and a record 73-win season. The three stars combined for 19 All-Star selections during their time together.
Curry led the Warriors (9-2) with 37 points, adding six rebounds and nine assists while shooting 14-of-27 from the field and 5-of-12 from three-point range. Green, the remaining member of the championship core alongside Curry, anchored the defense against his former teammate.
Thompson, who signed with Dallas after 13 seasons with Golden State, received a standing ovation during player introductions. His departure ended an era that saw the trio revolutionize NBA basketball with their combination of three-point shooting and defensive versatility.
The Warriors’ league-leading bench (58.0 points per game) has helped fill the void left by Thompson’s departure. However, the split of the Curry-Thompson-Green core represents the end of a dynasty that changed how basketball is played, introducing a small-ball style that emphasized three-point shooting and defensive switching.
NBA analyst Charles Barkley recently expressed skepticism about the Warriors’ post-Thompson era. “I think they’re too small,” Barkley said. “Everybody’s fresh and feeling good right now … I just don’t think it’s sustainable.”
The Warriors aim to maintain their early momentum as they prepare to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. After missing the playoffs three of the past five seasons, including last year’s play-in tournament loss to Sacramento, Golden State seeks to prove they can contend even without their complete championship core.
Tuesday’s emotional reunion highlighted the impact of the Warriors’ dynasty. The Curry-Thompson-Green era produced the longest-running and most successful trio in franchise history, with their combined achievements including two Olympic gold medals, NBA defensive player of the year honors, and multiple All-NBA selections.
The victory demonstrated Golden State’s resilience in their first season with the core divided, as Curry and Green continue building on the dynasty’s legacy while Thompson writes a new chapter in Dallas.
