Steph Curry and Draymond Green hugged Klay Thompson before the game in a touching tribute to their former teammate.
But once the game started, they played with fierce competitiveness. Curry and Green hit early 3-pointers over Thompson. Even though they had a special moment before the game, once it began, Curry and Green treated Thompson like any other opponent.
Thompson and Curry, teammates for over a decade, went back and forth in a battle that thrilled the Chase Center crowd. Thompson mimicked Curry’s shoulder shimmy celebration, and Curry blocked a shot from Thompson. Curry scored a 3-pointer over Thompson and pointed at him.
In his first game against the team he spent 13 years with, Thompson scored 22 points, including six 3-pointers. However, Curry stole the spotlight with 37 points and nine assists, helping the Warriors win 120-117. Curry’s clutch shots down the stretch led the Warriors to victory.
During pregame, the Chase Center displayed artwork of Thompson, including one of him driving his boat with his dog, Rocco, and another showing different versions of Thompson, including one in a Jackie Moon jersey and another with a water gun. The Bay Area community showed immense love for Thompson, giving him a standing ovation. Everyone, including Curry, Green, and Thompson’s new teammate, Kyrie Irving, wanted Thompson to feel appreciated.
After the tribute, the game started with Thompson and Curry going head-to-head. Curry hit a 3-pointer over Thompson and pointed at him. Green also hit a 3-pointer, and Curry stripped Thompson of the ball, causing the crowd to go wild. The Mavericks called a timeout after Green blocked a shot and saved it from going out of bounds, leading to a layup. The crowd was energized like it was a playoff game.
Curry scored 12 points in the first quarter. Thompson made a transition 3-pointer from Luka Doncic but struggled defensively against the Warriors. Buddy Hield, who replaced Thompson, stared at Golden State’s bench after hitting a 3-pointer over Thompson.
In the second quarter, Moses Moody blocked a Thompson 3-point attempt and almost dunked over him. The crowd was highly animated. Thompson responded with a corner 3-pointer and celebrated with a shoulder shimmy like Curry. He made another 3-pointer and pounded his chest as Dallas took a 48-41 lead.
Behind Doncic, Dallas increased their lead to 11. But the Warriors stayed in the game. Curry forced Thompson to shoot an airball, and Jonathan Kuminga started a fast break with a rebound and pass to Andrew Wiggins, who dunked. Curry then scored an and-1 against Thompson, shaking his head afterwards.
Thompson finished the first half with 11 points and made another 3-pointer after faking out Wiggins. But he shot another airball as Golden State went on a 13-3 run. Curry celebrated after hitting his third 3-pointer, and the Warriors took an 11-point lead after halftime.
The Warriors played well with Curry on the court but struggled when he sat. Curry came back in with 8:33 left, and the game was tied at 100. Thompson hit a corner 3-pointer and a finger roll layup to give Dallas the lead. He made a sixth 3-pointer and celebrated with goggle eyes in front of Curry.
Thompson helped Dallas take a seven-point lead, but the Warriors responded. Curry hit a pull-up shot and a 3-pointer. With two minutes left, Curry drove past Doncic and made a layup, reclaiming the lead. Curry’s snarl returned Thompson’s shimmy.
The Chase Center crowd cheered when Thompson missed a 3-pointer, and Curry sealed the game with a 3-pointer over Dereck Lively. Curry celebrated with his signature “night-night” gesture.
Curry and Green hugged at midcourt, showing how much the game meant to them.