The Dallas Mavericks completed their first of four games in the group play stage of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup on Tuesday evening, as Dallas lost yet their third clutch contest in a row by a score of 120-117 to the Golden State Warriors. Warriors guard Stephen Curry went on an individual 10-0 run in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter to put Golden State up 118-114 before Quentin Grimes hit a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 118-117.

Curry was able to drain two free throws on the ensuing possession though, and Grimes’ 3-pointer ended up being the only Mavericks points scored in the last 3:29 of game time. This loss was extremely disappointing for the Mavericks and knocked them below the .500 mark for the first time this season, as the Mavericks are now 5-6.

Even more disappointing perhaps, was the fact that Dallas ended up spoiling Klay Thompson’s long-awaited return to the Bay Area, as Thompson did more than his part for the Mavericks to win this game. Emotions were heavy during the starting lineup introduction for Thompson, as the Warriors played a tribute video to commemorate his time in Golden State.

Klay Thompson makes Warriors regret letting him go in return game

However, Thompson drained two free throws right off the bat in the first quarter, and overall had a very efficient shooting game in his return to Golden State. Overall, Thompson finished with 22 points on 6-12 shooting from 3-point range, as he did a great job at establishing open looks off pump-fakes and by relocating off-ball.

Thompson admittedly had some clunky offensive possessions in this game and the Warriors were making a concerted effort to make life tough for him in this contest, but given the gravity of this game as well as Thompson’s lack of involvement on offense in the first half of some recent games, he did a great job at responding in a tough environment.

It’s very unfortunate that the Mavericks weren’t able to get the win in Thompson’s return game, but that shouldn’t negate the fact that Thompson is still a crucial piece for this Mavericks team as well as the fact that the Warriors would’ve loved to maintain his services at a different price tag.

While the Warriors (9-2) and Mavericks have vastly different records at this juncture in the season, Thompson is still one of the best shooters in the game and is an All-Star caliber player on some nights, so the Mavericks shouldn’t be leaving this game with a sour taste in their mouths in regard to their decision to sign Thompson to a three-year $50 million contract this past summer.

Thompson’s replacement valve in Buddy Hield ended up shooting 2-8 from downtown in this game, so this game presumably would’ve been even worse for Dallas if Thompson was on the other side of things still.

While Thompson is still getting acclimated to playing alongside two different superstars in Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, this game was easily one of the best that he’s had since being a Maverick, and it was a great step in the right direction for Thompson at the early part of this season.

Thompson has even answered the call defensively for Dallas this season, as it’s becoming increasingly clear that Dallas’ problems stem way farther than Thompson’s fit on this roster.

The Mavericks and Thompson will have an opportunity to avenge this loss on Wednesday evening against the 2-8 Utah Jazz, in what has turned into a must-win game following this three-game skid by the Mavericks.