The Golden State Warriors moved to 2-0 on the season with a thrilling 120-117 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. The game was filled with intriguing storylines, starting with Klay Thompson’s highly anticipated return to Chase Center and the debut of the NBA Cup, which gave the matchup an added sense of excitement.
For Klay, it was his first game back on home turf after a long recovery from injury, and the atmosphere was electric. His performance, along with key contributions from his teammates, played a pivotal role in securing the victory in a tight, back-and-forth finish.
The game also served as the opening night of the NBA Cup, a new tournament designed to add extra significance to the early part of the season. With this new competition in the mix, the win felt even more meaningful for the Warriors as they continue to build chemistry and momentum heading into the rest of the season.
Golden State’s victory over Dallas was far from easy, but it showed their resilience and ability to execute when it mattered most. The Mavericks led by seven points with just four minutes remaining, but the Warriors closed the game with a 15-5 run. Key to their comeback was hitting 3 of 4 three-pointers in those final minutes, which helped propel them to victory.
A major turning point came in the fourth quarter, when the Warriors managed to hold Luka Dončić scoreless. Dončić, who entered the season as an MVP favorite and has been playing at a high level, struggled in the final period, and his inability to deliver in crunch time hurt Dallas. As a result, the Mavericks are now 5-6, a disappointing record for a team with such high expectations.
In contrast, the Warriors are off to a strong start at 9-2, tied with the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder for the best record in the West. This win further underscored their ability to stay calm under pressure and execute in key moments. With their strong play on both ends of the floor, Golden State looks poised to remain a top contender in the Western Conference this season.