Curry scores 23 points to reach a milestone! Warriors defeat Mavericks for their third consecutive win; Davis exits injured, Flagg scores 27

On December 26th Beijing time, during the NBA year-end clash, the Warriors defeated the Mavericks 126-116 on their home court, earning their third consecutive win. Despite Curry’s poor shooting from deep, hitting just 2 out of 10 attempts, he managed 23 points overall, unlocking the 26,000-point milestone and becoming the 22nd player in NBA history to do so. Davis exited the game in the second quarter because of a right groin spasm, and Flagg scored 27 points. The Warriors led by 13 at halftime, saw the margin shrink in the second half, but ultimately secured the victory.

Statistics

Mavericks: Flagg 27 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists; Williams 26 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Marshall 14 points, 4 rebounds; Davis 3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks (injured, left game); Christie 13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists; Washington 14 points, 10 rebounds; Gafford 6 points, 5 rebounds; Klay 7 points

Warriors: Curry 23 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists; Butler 14 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists; Horford 14 points, 4 rebounds; Pojemski 13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists; Moody 12 points; Green 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists; Post 6 points, 3 rebounds; Jackson-Davis 10 points, 5 rebounds; Melton 16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Richard 5 points; Payton II 6 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists

Player of the Game

Despite Curry’s struggles from outside, Butler and Horford’s efficient performances helped the Warriors secure the win.

Milestone Moment

Shortly after the second half began, Curry scored a layup to reach the 26,000 career points milestone!

Injury Update

About three minutes into the second quarter, Davis was injured during a fast break and limped back to the locker room. Officially, he suffered a right groin spasm and did not return to the game.

Game Highlights

Curry wore Klay’s signature shoes in this game, and before tip-off, the former Splash Brothers shared some laughs.

Game Recap

In the first quarter, Post scored on a hook shot, Green made two free throws, giving the Warriors a 4-0 start. Flagg scored a layup, Washington stole and dunked, Neumhardt scored on a layup, and the Mavericks responded with a 6-0 run. Post scored on a put-back, Curry made all three free throws, Davis finished with a dunk. Moody scored 5 straight points, while Williams scored 6 consecutive points for the Mavericks. Jackson-Davis dunked, Christie hit a three-pointer, and the score was tied. Jackson-Davis then delivered an alley-oop dunk, Horford made a three, Gafford scored on a mid-range shot, and Klay blocked Melton’s attempt. Gafford scored on a put-back, Horford hit three more three-pointers, and the Warriors went on a 12-2 run. The quarter ended with the Warriors leading 40-28, Horford scoring 12 points in the quarter.

In the second quarter, Marshall scored on a floater, Neumhardt made a mid-range shot, and the Mavericks went on an 8-0 run, cutting the deficit to 4 points. However, Davis left the game during a fast break due to injury and returned to the locker room for examination. Green and Curry made three-pointers, Butler scored 5 straight points, Moody and Jackson-Davis also scored consecutively, pushing the Warriors’ lead back to 13 points. Flagg scored 6 straight points, but the Warriors kept attacking, with Moody and Pojemski hitting threes and Curry scoring a layup. The first half ended with the Warriors leading 71-58. For the Mavericks, Flagg and Marshall each had 12 points. For the Warriors, Horford and Moody each had 12 points, and Curry had 10.

After halftime, Flagg scored a layup, Curry responded with his own layup, achieving the 26,000 career points milestone. Butler and Post scored consecutively, Flagg made a three-pointer, Washington scored on a hook shot, and Williams scored 5 straight points as the Mavericks reduced the gap to single digits. Curry scored on a hook shot, Horford scored inside, Richard made a three-pointer, and the Warriors led by 14 points. Washington scored on a layup, Klay hit a three, Butler dunked, Melton stole and scored on a layup, and after three quarters, the Warriors led 100-89.

In the final quarter, Flagg dunked, Richard scored on a layup, Washington made a hook shot. Curry made two free throws, Klay scored on a mid-range shot, Flagg and Williams scored layups, but the Mavericks still trailed by 5 points. Pojemski made two free throws, Christie scored on a mid-range shot. After missing 14 consecutive three-pointers in the second half, Curry finally hit a three to steady the team. Flagg finished with an alley-oop dunk and 4 straight points, Butler scored a layup, Melton scored on a floater, and both Butler and Washington made put-back baskets. In the end, the Warriors won at home against the Mavericks.

Starting Lineups

Mavericks: Neumhardt, Marshall, Washington, Flagg, Davis

Warriors: Curry, Moody, Butler, Green, Post