The Golden State Warriors started their participation in the Emirates NBA Cup tournament with a victory. The Warriors beat the Dallas Mavericks 120-117 at home in an extremely intriguing matchup. The game marked the return of Klay Thompson to San Francisco. With Golden State he became a four-time champion within 13 years.
Stealing the show, however, was Thompson's longtime partner on the floor, Steph Curry. The Warriors' star shot nearly 52% from the field and hit five 3-pointers to finish with 37 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists, scoring the team's final 12 points. Golden State also got help from the bench - Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield finished with 16 and 14 points, respectively. De'Anthony Melton also scored 14, and Draymond Green scored 11.
Thompson went all out on his emotional return to San Francisco. He finished second among his Dallas teammates in scoring with 22 points, making 6 of 12 attempts from behind the arc. Kyrie Irving added 21, and Luka Doncic topped everyone with 31 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Daniel Gafford and Derek Lively II finished with 15 and 12 points, respectively, but their efforts were not enough for the Mavericks.
Dallas, which is 5-6 after its third straight loss, faces the Utah Jazz while Golden State, third in the West with nine wins and two losses, the same as the leaders Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder, hosts Memphis Grizzlies.
Emirates NBA Cup games count towards the regular season with the exception of the final of the competition, which will take place on December 17 in Las Vegas.
The rest of the results:
Orlando Magic - Charlotte Hornets 114:89
Detroit Pistons - Miami Heat 123:121 after overtime
Boston Celtics - Atlanta Hawks 116:117
Philadelphia 76ers - New York Knicks 99:111
Milwaukee Bucks - Toronto Raptors 99:85
Utah Jazz - Phoenix Suns 112:120
Portland Trail Blazers - Minnesota Timberwolves 122:108. | BGNES
