Night Night: Steph Curry Scores Final 12 Points to Spoil Klay’s Homecoming
Q: “Did they try and rope anyone else into that?”
A: “Yeah they did… they knew not to ask me.”
Stephon Castle had no interest in getting a haircut with Keldon and Wemby 😂 pic.twitter.com/z4VS15OmzG
— NBA (@NBA) January 16, 2026
The Mavericks held a late lead, but Curry took over the final three minutes with a personal 12-point surge. The climax came with 27 seconds left on the clock. Curry dribbled into a contested step-back three, buried it, and immediately tucked his hands under his ear. The message was clear: game over.
The Greatest Show on Earth
Curry finished the night with 37 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. While the narrative focused on the “Splash Brothers” split, the actual play on the court was a high-octane battle between two Western Conference heavyweights. Curry’s ability to find his rhythm in high-pressure moments remains the Warriors’ greatest asset. He shot 5-of-12 from deep, but his final two makes were the ones that broke the Mavericks’ back.
The Warriors’ defense also stepped up in the final minute, forcing Luka Doncic into a difficult, contested three that could have tied the game. Golden State’s depth proved vital, but when the lights were brightest, they went to their four-time champion to bring it home.
“You have to love the atmosphere. We knew it was going to be emotional with Klay back, but once the ball is tipped, we’re out there to win. That’s what we do.”
— Stephen Curry on the win over Dallas
Klay Thompson’s Bitter-Sweet Return
Klay Thompson didn’t shy away from the moment. The former Warriors legend finished with 22 points and knocked down six three-pointers, even hitting a few “Curry-esque” shots that momentarily silenced his former home crowd. The pre-game tribute was full of “Captain Klay” hats and standing ovations, but the competitive fire between Curry and Thompson was evident from the opening tip.
Thompson and Doncic (31 points) nearly stole the win, but Dallas struggled to contain the Warriors’ transition game in the closing moments. The loss drops the Mavericks to 0-1 in NBA Cup group play, while the Warriors move to the top of the standings.
What’s Next for the Warriors
Golden State is proving that their hot start to the season isn’t a fluke. By beating a healthy Mavericks squad, they’ve established themselves as a legitimate threat in the West. The focus now shifts to maintaining this offensive efficiency as they continue their NBA Cup schedule. If Curry continues to close games with this level of ferocity, the “Night Night” pose will be a frequent sight this winter.
