Splash Brothers Reunion Turns Competitive as Warriors Beat Mavericks on Christmas
Christmas Day basketball always comes with extra emotion, and this Warriors vs. Mavericks matchup delivered exactly that. The storyline was hard to miss: former championship teammates were reunited on the same floor, but this time as rivals. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the Golden State Warriors welcomed Klay Thompson back to the Bay Area, now wearing Dallas colors, in a game that felt equal parts nostalgic and fiercely competitive.
It was the first Christmas meeting between these familiar faces in seven years, and the atmosphere at Chase Center reflected that history. Thompson was greeted with loud cheers when he checked in, a reminder of the four championships he helped bring to Golden State. A pregame handshake and hug between the so-called Splash Brothers said everything about their shared past, but once the ball went up, it was all business.
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Golden State entered the game hovering around .500, searching for momentum, and it was made clear early that this wasn’t going to be handed to them. The Warriors jumped out fast, powered by a surprise first-quarter burst from veteran center Al Horford, who drilled four three-pointers and helped build a double-digit lead. That early cushion mattered, especially as Dallas tried to settle in behind rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, who continued to show why he sits near the top of rookie rankings with his confident scoring and energy.
The Mavericks were dealt a major blow when Anthony Davis exited early with right groin spasms and did not return. His absence was felt on both ends, even though Dallas continued to fight. Flagg stepped up, Naji Marshall contributed, and the Mavericks kept pushing, but opportunities were missed at the free-throw line, which ultimately hurt them in key moments.
By the second half, the game had turned into a test of composure. Curry quietly reached the 26,000-point milestone during the third quarter, and while his scoring didn’t explode, his control of the game was evident. Golden State’s bench provided steady contributions, the ball was moved well, and defensive stops were made just when Dallas threatened to close the gap.
The defining moment came midway through the fourth quarter. With the Mavericks pulling within striking distance, Curry buried a deep three from well beyond the arc, a classic dagger that shifted the momentum for good. From there, the Warriors closed calmly, knocking down free throws and finishing possessions.
The final score read Warriors 126, Mavericks 116. Golden State moved back above .500, while Dallas walked away knowing it had competed but fallen short. On a day built around tradition and stars, the message was simple: the past may have been celebrated, but the present still belongs to those who execute when it matters most.
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