Klay Thompson returned to the Bay Area on Christmas Day as the Dallas Mavericks faced the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. It marked his first matchup against his former team this season and his fifth meeting with Golden State since being traded to Dallas. Thompson finished with seven points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block off the bench in the Mavericks’ 126‑116 loss, as Dallas dropped to 12-20.
The game also featured a reunion with longtime teammate Steph Curry, who led the Warriors with 23 points, adding four assists and three rebounds. Cameras captured Curry’s interactions with Thompson as the two exchanged pleasantries during and after the matchup.
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Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry (30) and Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31).Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Curry also paid tribute to his former Splash Brother on Christmas. The two-time MVP, now a sneaker free agent following the end of his long partnership with Under Armour, wore Thompson’s ANTA KT 11 signature shoes for the game.
After the game, Thompson was asked about Curry’s gesture and gave a candid, appreciative response:
“It was great. Really cool,” the five-time All-Star said. “I wish he didn’t get a win in them but it was awesome. I respect it” (via Dallas Morning News’ Mike Curtis).
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The gesture comes amid trade speculation surrounding Thompson. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, “Those around Thompson say they believe it could eventually happen because ‘there’s no one that carries more weight with Klay than Steph’… But Curry would have to push for it.”
Curry himself recently acknowledged the idea of a reunion, calling it “unbelievable.”
“If that time comes and that conversation is had, of course I’m calling him and saying, ‘We want you back,’” Curry told ESPN.
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With Dallas struggling this season and Thompson now embracing a lesser role off the bench, it remains to be seen if the Warriors will fancy bringing back one of their franchise greats.
Related: Mavericks Announce Anthony Davis Injury Update After Leaving Warriors Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.