Example: Warriors visit Dallas as Klay tries to save Mavs’ season

Let’s talk about timing and irony, dub nation. When Klay Thompson went out of the Chase Center for the last time as a warrior, he probably didn’t see his reunion coming completely like that: Seeing Steph Curry maybe loosening his most effective offensive stretch of the season … with Jimmy Butler Ride Hock Rifle.

Warriors (2-0 since the acquisition of Butler) roll into Dallas with the kind of momentum that feels less like a coincidence and more like a statement. Curry has been on an absolute heater that extends his 30+ point strip to four games while suddenly coming to the free -throwing line to the double of his usual rate.

Golden State Warriors in Dallas Mavericks

When: February 12, 2025 | 18:30 pt

TV: Espn

Radio: 95.7 Game

Go into Jimmy Butler, who has proven to be the perfect complement to Curry’s gravity playing. Their first game together? A casual 59-point combined outbreak that made a 24-point deficit for a 21-point victory over Chicago. Butler’s debut contained a Warriors record for free throw, while their Encore saw him randomly fall 20 points on 12-of-15 from the charity stripe. Like Steve Kerr noticed, it’s almost like having someone who can actually attack the edge and draw violations May benefit a team’s violation. Who knew it?

The figures paint a picture that should feel like a watercolor left out in the rain for Mavs fans. Since Butler’s arrival, Warriors has gone from an average of 112.2 points to dropping 128.5 per day. Night. Meanwhile, Dallas Speedrunning is the “complete Anthony Davis experience” faster than a Tiktok collection; goes from “unstoppable force” to “out indefinitely” in light -year speed.

This leaves Klay in the awkward position to see his replacement in GSW thrive while being asked to carry an offense that just lost both Luka Dončić and along in a week. It’s like being asked to recreate the splash brothers by using only half the recipe and having Kyrie Irving as your sous chef. It will be extremely fascinating to observe how these two take over the reins of Mavs on the back half of this season.

But here it is where it gets spicy: Butler scores not only, he makes his best KLAY impression on the defense. His last game? Nine rebounds, six assists and four steal against Milwaukee. It’s the kind of two-way performance that used to be Thompson’s phone card.

Curry has been diplomatic throughout the situation, but his game speaks binders. “There is a certain context,” he admitted to his recent wave with Butler and noticed how each possession feels less challenging. Translation: Having someone who can punish defense to overplay him makes life significantly easier.

For Thompson, this is not just another game on the schedule. My boyfriend said it’s like watching your ex thrives in a new relationship while still trying to find out who you are.

The difference is that most of us do not have to treat these feelings, while Uncle Drew throws non-look Take care of our heads and half of your potential offensive support carries designer suits on the bench.

But here it becomes interesting: While Thompson is trying to channel his inner 2016 game 6 every night (of necessity rather than election), his previously running partner Curry has found a new dance partner who mastered a completely different rhythm. Warriors’ offensive rating with the curry-butler pairing has sprung to levels reminiscent of the peak warriors, just with more free kicks and fewer three-point celebrations.

“I mean, you can acknowledge it and understand the frustration,” Thompson said about Mavs’ fans Brings so many “Fire Nico” Signs at game, it’s like a flashback to the heyday of a bully WWF raw audience. “When you feel like you’ve grown up with someone, it hurts to lose them, especially to a team at your conference.” The irony of Thompson comforted annoying fans about losing their star while watching his own brand new replacement thrive in GSW is probably not lost to anyone in the building.

But this is where Thompson’s legendary mental toughness comes into play. This is the same guy who knocked a free throw on a torn ACL and returned from 941 days of injury to drop 30 pieces he never left. Now he embraces a role that asks him to be both sniper and general. I am definitely positive that he will accept his extended role with joy. This is a sweet opportunity to prove that he can still make great contributions to winning basketball games at the highest levels.

For Warriors, this game is about maintaining their perfect butler era record and building on the devastating offensive efficiency. For Mavericks, it is about proving that Thompson’s optimism is not wrong, even if their fans bring protest signs to what should be a championship practitioner’s season.

Game tips at. 18:30 pt. Bring popcorn. And maybe some tissues, just in case Klay needs them when he sees Steph and Jimmy giggles through pregame warming.