Warriors Ride Bench Depth, Defense to Christmas Day Win Over Mavericks
SAN FRANCISCO - Steph Curry was on one end of the court, locked into his signature pregame shooting routine with longtime coach Bruce Fraser. On the other end?
Klay Thompson, now wearing Dallas Mavericks green, going through his own warm-up. Two of the greatest shooters the game has ever seen, sharing the same floor again - but this time, on opposite sides.
And while the Christmas Day spotlight naturally gravitated toward the reunion of the former Splash Brothers, it was the Warriors’ supporting cast that stole the show in a 126-116 win at Chase Center. Golden State leaned on its depth, energy, and a throwback performance from a seasoned vet to secure its third straight victory - a team win in every sense.
Strength in Numbers, Revisited
The Warriors’ bench put up a whopping 64 points, and it wasn’t just empty numbers - it was timely, momentum-shifting production. Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody each brought a spark, with Podziemski dropping 13 points and Moody adding 12. Their chemistry was on full display in the second quarter, when Podziemski lofted a perfect lob to Moody for a fast-break finish that jolted the sleepy holiday crowd awake.
Moments later, Jimmy Butler - who continues to thrive in a do-it-all role - tossed a sky-high alley-oop to Trayce Jackson-Davis for a thunderous slam. That sequence summed up the Warriors’ night: fast, unselfish, and fueled by contributions up and down the roster.
Curry, meanwhile, did what he does - quietly efficient, finishing with 23 points and surpassing the 26,000-point milestone in the process. He didn’t need to carry the scoring load, and that’s exactly what the Warriors want as they look to build consistency heading into the new year.
Gary Payton II Makes a Statement
There were highlights aplenty, but none louder than Gary Payton II’s fourth-quarter rejection of Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks’ rookie phenom went up strong, but Payton met him at the summit with a two-handed block that brought the Chase Center crowd to its feet. It was the kind of defensive play that doesn’t just stop a bucket - it sends a message.
Payton didn’t fill up the box score, but his impact was undeniable. On a night when the Warriors needed stops late, he delivered.
Flagg Shines in First Christmas Game
Speaking of Flagg - the 19-year-old No. 1 pick didn’t disappoint. He poured in 27 points, showing off the full arsenal: pull-up jumpers, slashing finishes, and a highlight-reel dunk over Quinten Post in the third quarter. His poise and athleticism were evident, even as the Warriors threw multiple defenders at him throughout the night.
With Anthony Davis exiting in the second quarter after pulling up lame on a fast break, Flagg became the focal point of the Mavericks’ offense. Jimmy Butler started on him, Draymond Green took turns, and even Jackson-Davis got a crack at the rookie. But Flagg kept coming, and his 27-point performance on the national stage only added to the early buzz surrounding his rookie campaign.
Al Horford Turns Back the Clock
In his return from a seven-game absence due to sciatica, Al Horford didn’t waste time making his presence felt. The 39-year-old veteran drained all four of his three-point attempts in just six first-quarter minutes, reminding everyone that his shooting touch is still elite.
Horford also chipped in four rebounds and showed he could still move his feet defensively, switching onto guards and even running the break. On one possession, he led a fast break with Butler and dropped a textbook bounce pass on the wing - a moment that brought smiles from the bench and a nod of appreciation from fans who’ve watched him do this for nearly two decades.
Draymond Green Keeps His Cool
Draymond Green’s last two outings ended in controversy - one with an ejection, the other with a benching after a heated exchange with Steve Kerr. But on Christmas Day, Green was locked in. He played with controlled intensity, anchoring the defense and helping neutralize Dallas’ attempts to bully their way inside.
With the Mavericks lacking a traditional point guard and missing Kyrie Irving, they leaned on straight-line drives and size mismatches. Green was ready. He rotated, contested, and communicated - the kind of performance that reminds you why he’s still the heartbeat of this team.
Klay’s Return to the Bay
When Klay Thompson checked in midway through the first quarter, the sold-out Chase Center crowd rose in unison. The ovation was loud, heartfelt, and well-earned. He may now be coming off the bench in a different uniform, but in this building, he’ll always be a champion.
Thompson finished with seven points, including a third-quarter three that drew a mix of cheers and nostalgia. It was a reminder of what he meant to this franchise - and how strange it still feels to see him in anything but Warriors blue and gold.
Closing Time
The Warriors led 71-58 at halftime and carried a double-digit cushion into the fourth, but the Mavericks weren’t done. A quick burst cut the lead to 104-99 with six minutes to play, setting up a tense finish. But Golden State responded with poise.
Melton, Curry, and Payton II combined to stabilize the offense, while the defense clamped down just enough to prevent a full-blown comeback. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was effective - and that’s what matters.
What’s Next
With the win, the Warriors move to 16-15 and are riding a three-game win streak. They’ll head north to face the Raptors in Toronto on Sunday, looking to build on the momentum they’ve finally begun to generate.
This wasn’t just a win - it was a snapshot of what this Warriors team can be when the pieces click. The stars did their part, but it was the bench, the defense, and the collective energy that carried them on Christmas Day. And if they can bottle that formula, the rest of the West might want to start paying attention.