Klay Thompson played his first game at Chase Center against the Dallas Mavericks, but it was Stephen Curry who stole the show by scoring the final 12 points for the Golden State Warriors, leading them to a 120-117 victory. Curry, the 36-year-old point guard, finished with a game-high 37 points.
For Thompson, 34, a four-time NBA champion with the Warriors, it was a poignant night as he scored 22 points, including six three-pointers, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. The Dallas team, coached by Jason Kidd, fell to a record of 5-6 in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season and 0-1 in West Group C of the Emirates NBA Cup.
Luka Doncic, initially uncertain to play due to a left groin strain, received medical clearance and contributed significantly in over 41 minutes of play, scoring 31 points on 13-of-27 shooting, along with eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Teammate Maxi Kleber (right hamstring strain) was active but did not participate in the game.
In another matchup, the Portland Trail Blazers began West Group A with a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, defeating them 122-108 at Moda Center.
Deni Avdija from Israel praised his team’s character after scoring 17 points, including a buzzer-beater three-pointer to end the third quarter, along with five assists, four rebounds, one block, and one steal. Belgian starter Toumani Camara added 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while French player Rayan Rupert contributed two points, two rebounds, and one assist.
For the Timberwolves, Rudy Gobert scored nine points, grabbed eight rebounds, and recorded four assists, one block, and one steal.