**Curry Shines as Warriors Edge Out Thompson’s Mavericks in Emotional Reunion**

Klay Thompson learned an important lesson recently: never ignore Steph Curry. Draymond Green, a former teammate of Thompson and a current star for the Golden State Warriors, disclosed that Curry took it personally when Thompson "ghosted him" before his emotional return to the Bay Area. During Tuesday's thrilling game, which resulted in a 120-117 win for the Warriors, Curry ran to the other end of the court, posed for the camera holding his jersey, and seemingly yelled, "You better stay here."

Green revealed on his "Draymond Green Show" that he stirred the pot by texting Curry to lock in for the game, noting that Thompson’s ghosting added fuel to the fire. Curry, initially set to speak before the match, told the Warriors’ senior vice president of communications Raymond Ridder that he needed to focus solely on the game after feeling slighted by Thompson. The highly anticipated game marked Thompson's first as an opponent after dedicating 13 years to Golden State, during which he and Curry formed the legendary "Splash Brothers" duo, contributing to four NBA championships alongside Green.

The move away from Golden State and onto a three-year, $50 million contract with the reigning Western Conference champion Mavericks came after a tough 2023-24 season for Thompson. Both players showcased their skills during the game, but Curry emerged as the star of the night with 37 points, outshining Thompson’s 22 points. Curry’s performance was particularly notable in the final moments as he scored the last 12 points for Golden State, clinching a comeback victory with a decisive shot that gave the Warriors a 118-114 lead with just 27.1 seconds left.

Curry’s jubilant celebration appeared to underscore his loyalty to the Warriors in the wake of Thompson’s departure. Green likened Curry’s game-winning moment to a signature Olympic shot, humorously commenting on social media narratives. Reflecting on the evening, Green remarked, “Klay Thompson played great. Incredible. And they lost. That's how we needed the night to go.” The Warriors, standing strong with a 9-2 record and holding second place in the Western Conference, seem to be thriving without Thompson, who is now with a Mavericks team stumbling with a 5-6 start.

The next encounter between these teams is scheduled for February 12 in Dallas, with Thompson returning to the Chase Center once again on February 23.