The Dallas Mavericks are set for a marquee Christmas Day showdown against the Golden State Warriors, and while the spotlight naturally gravitates toward the stars on the floor, there’s a deeper storyline brewing-one that centers around a familiar face in a new uniform. Klay Thompson, now with the Mavericks, is listed as probable with left knee soreness. Barring any setbacks, he’s expected to suit up against the team where he built his legacy.
This won’t be just another game for Thompson. After spending the bulk of his career in Golden State and helping shape one of the most iconic dynasties in NBA history, returning to face the Warriors carries a weight that goes beyond the box score.
The emotions will be real, but so will the competitive fire. Thompson missed Dallas' last outing against Denver, but the Mavericks didn’t skip a beat-thanks to explosive performances from Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg, who each poured in 30 points to lead the charge.
That win was more than just another W in the standings. It marked a continuation of a much-needed turnaround for a Mavericks squad that stumbled out of the gate earlier this season.
There was a stretch when Dallas hovered near the bottom of the standings, and the noise around potential trades started to grow louder. But lately, the team has found its rhythm-and the rumors have gone quiet.
Thompson’s journey this season has mirrored the team’s in some ways. He got off to a rocky start and eventually found himself coming off the bench-a decision by head coach Jason Kidd aimed at shaking things up.
While the consistency hasn’t fully returned, the shooting touch that made Thompson one of the most feared perimeter threats in the league is still very much alive. He’s had flashes that remind you exactly why defenders still chase him around screens like their careers depend on it.
And you can bet he’s circling this one on the calendar. Thompson’s competitive drive is well-documented, and facing off against former teammates like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green-guys he won championships with-adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are still waiting on Kyrie Irving to make his season debut. The team hasn’t had a chance to see what its full-strength version actually looks like, which makes their recent success even more impressive. If Dallas can keep stacking wins over the next few weeks, they might just avoid the kind of roster shake-up that once seemed inevitable.
So as the Mavericks and Warriors prepare to clash under the holiday lights, it’s not just about standings or stats. It’s about redemption, reunion, and resilience. And for Klay Thompson, it’s a chance to remind both the Warriors-and the league-that he’s still got something to say.