The Dallas Mavericks are rolling into Thursday night’s home showdown against the Golden State Warriors with momentum on their side and a little extra motivation in the air. It’s a rematch of the 2022 Western Conference Finals, but don’t expect a carbon copy of that series-both teams have evolved, and this version of the matchup brings new faces, new stakes, and a lot to keep an eye on.
Mavericks Finding Their Groove
Dallas has quietly turned the corner over the past few weeks. Winners of six of their last nine, including a current three-game win streak, they’re starting to look like a team figuring itself out at the right time. During that stretch, they’ve posted the eighth-best net rating in the league (4.7) and are shooting a blistering 49.3% from the field-good for fifth-best in the NBA.
These aren’t just empty-calorie wins, either. They’ve taken down playoff-caliber squads like the Rockets and Knicks, and now they’re eyeing another statement win against a Warriors team that, despite some setbacks, remains dangerous.
Golden State Still a Threat-Even Without Butler
The Warriors have been resilient. Since mid-December, they’ve dropped just four games, winning six of their last eight.
But they’re now navigating life without forward Jimmy Butler, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL. That’s a major blow-no sugarcoating it.
Butler’s two-way impact and veteran presence will be sorely missed.
Still, don’t expect Golden State to roll over. With Stephen Curry still doing Stephen Curry things and rookie Cooper Flagg continuing to impress, the Warriors have more than enough firepower to make this a battle. They’ll be looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the Raptors, and you can bet Curry has this one circled.
Here are three storylines to keep an eye on when the Mavericks and Warriors square off Thursday night:
1. Flagg’s Shot at Redemption Under the Bright Lights
Cooper Flagg’s last appearance on national TV didn’t go as planned. Facing the Nuggets at home, he struggled early and was forced to exit in the first half with an injury. It was a rough outing for both Flagg and the Mavs, who were thoroughly outplayed.
Thursday offers a chance to rewrite that narrative.
Flagg was electric the last time he faced the Warriors, dropping 27 points, six boards, and five assists in a high-stakes Christmas Day clash. He’s shown he can rise to the occasion, and with the national spotlight back on him, expect the rookie to come out with something to prove. This is a big opportunity to show the league-and maybe himself-that he can bounce back in a big way.
2. Curry’s Comfort Zone in Dallas
If there’s one arena outside the Bay where Stephen Curry feels right at home, it’s the American Airlines Center. Since the pandemic, he’s averaged 28.1 points and seven assists per game in Dallas, including that unforgettable 57-point eruption nearly five years ago.
Curry didn’t have his best showing the last time these teams met, but that’s rarely a trend that sticks. The Mavericks, for all their recent improvements, still struggle to contain elite off-ball movement and perimeter shooting-both of which Curry thrives on. And with Butler out, the Warriors may lean even more heavily on their future Hall of Famer to carry the scoring load.
Dallas’ recent uptick in pace and offensive efficiency could actually play right into Curry’s hands. If this turns into a track meet, he’s more than capable of turning it into a shootout-and that’s where he does his most damage.
3. Klay’s Chance to Remind Golden State What They Let Go
Let’s not pretend this one doesn’t matter to Klay Thompson.
Since arriving in Dallas, Thompson has had this matchup circled. His first two games against his former team were vintage Klay: 51 points on 16-of-31 shooting combined. But the last three have been rough-just 35 points total on 12-of-35 shooting and a 1-2 record.
Now, he’s heating up again. Thompson is shooting 51.6% from deep over his last three games, and you can bet he’s itching to keep that streak alive against the team that let him walk. This is more than just another game for him-it’s a chance to show the Warriors that he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
Dallas will be counting on him to deliver, and if he does, it could be the difference between a quality win and a missed opportunity.
Bottom Line
This isn’t just a midseason matchup-it’s a measuring stick for both squads. Dallas is trying to prove they’re more than just a team on a hot streak, while Golden State is looking to stay afloat in the West without one of their key stars.
With young talent, veteran pride, and playoff undertones all in the mix, Thursday night in Dallas has all the makings of a statement game. And with Flagg, Curry, and Klay all in the spotlight, it’s one you won’t want to miss.