Stephen Curry hit yet another milestone on Christmas Day, adding another chapter to what's already one of the most iconic careers in NBA history. In the Warriors’ 126-116 win over the Dallas Mavericks, Curry became just the 22nd player in league history to cross the 26,000-point mark. And he did it in a way that quietly spoke volumes-by lacing up a pair of Klay Thompson’s signature ANTA sneakers.
Yes, you read that right. On a night when Curry was facing off against his longtime “Splash Brother” turned Mavericks guard, he honored their shared legacy in a subtle but meaningful way. Thirteen seasons, four championships, and countless deep threes later, Curry and Thompson’s bond clearly runs deeper than just the box score.
The milestone came in the third quarter of a game that had plenty of storylines, but none bigger than Curry continuing to etch his name into the record books. He finished with 23 points on 6-of-18 shooting, but made every one of his nine free throws and chipped in four assists and three rebounds. It wasn’t one of his most electric shooting nights, but it was vintage Curry in terms of leadership and control-steady, composed, and always a threat.
26,000 CAREER POINTS FOR STEPH CURRY!
— NBA (@NBA) December 25, 2025
The 22nd player in NBA history to reach that mark 🤩 pic.twitter.com/JBX4zU0UiA
Thompson, now coming off the bench for Dallas, had a quieter night with seven points on 3-of-8 shooting. He added two rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block.
It’s still strange seeing him in a different uniform, but that didn’t stop the moment from carrying emotional weight. Curry wearing Klay’s kicks while going toe-to-toe with him?
That’s the kind of poetic detail longtime fans live for.
But the night wasn’t just about the past-it was also a glimpse into the NBA’s future. Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg turned heads with a game-high 27 points on 13-of-21 shooting, along with six rebounds, five assists, and a block. If you’re wondering whether the moment was too big for the young standout, Curry’s postgame comments made it clear: Flagg belongs.
"Just a true hooper. Competitor. ... The league is in good hands."
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 26, 2025
Steph Curry had high praise for Cooper Flagg after their matchup 🤝 pic.twitter.com/sf4t8EnzUc
“Just a true hooper. Competitor,” Curry said in his walk-off interview.
“You forget how young he is-just his presence out there on the court. So, the future is bright.
I'm glad he got this experience in his first year to understand what the bright lights feel like. The league is in good hands.”
That kind of praise from one of the game’s all-time greats isn’t handed out lightly. Flagg, who previously attended Curry’s basketball camp, clearly made an impression-and not just with his stats. He looked comfortable, confident, and ready for the moment.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are starting to find some rhythm. This win marks their third straight, and while the season has had its ups and downs, there’s a sense that this team is starting to settle into a groove. Curry’s milestone is a reminder of the greatness we’ve come to expect, but also a signal that there’s still plenty left in the tank.
On a night that celebrated history, brotherhood, and the next generation all at once, Curry once again found a way to be at the center of it all-quietly making history, while passing the torch with the same grace and class that’s defined his career.