Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler Spark Warriors to 126-116 Christmas Day Victory Over Mavericks
SAN FRANCISCO — In a festive NBA Christmas Day matchup that thrilled basketball fans nationwide, the Golden State Warriors secured a 126-116 win over the Dallas Mavericks at the Chase Center on Thursday, led by standout performances from Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. The victory marked one of the highlight games of the holiday slate, with Curry’s late clutch shooting and Butler’s all-around contributions proving decisive in a high-scoring affair.
Curry finished with 23 points, including a pivotal three-pointer with just under four minutes left that helped the Warriors hold off a resilient Mavericks rally. The veteran sharpshooter also impressed from the free-throw line, going a perfect 9-for-9 at the charity stripe, underscoring his importance as a Christmas Day clutch performer.
Butler narrowly missed a triple-double, finishing with 14 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, showcasing his versatility and leadership in both offense and defense. His effort helped keep Golden State in control even as Dallas fought back late in the fourth quarter.
Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg emerged as a bright spot for the Mavericks, erupting for 27 points on efficient 13-for-21 shooting in his Christmas Day debut. Brandon Williams also made a strong impact off the bench with 26 points, giving the Mavericks secondary scoring punch and keeping the game competitive throughout.
The Warriors got an emotional boost from Al Horford, making his return after a seven-game absence, draining four three-pointers early to help Golden State build a substantial first-quarter lead. De’Anthony Melton added 16 points, while Brandin Podziemski contributed 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists, illustrating a balanced team effort.
The Mavericks were dealt a blow in the second quarter when Anthony Davis exited with groin spasms and did not return, limiting Dallas’s interior presence and forcing others to shoulder the load. Despite the setback, the team continued to battle, showcasing resilience amid a tough holiday schedule.
The win improved Golden State’s record and extended their Christmas Day success, giving fans plenty to celebrate during the holiday season. With a mix of veteran leadership and rising young talent, the Warriors have shown they can compete in high-pressure games — a promising sign as the 2025-26 NBA season unfolds.
