In a contest defined by individual brilliance and a historic statistical milestone, the Dallas Mavericks extended their winning streak to a season-high four games with a 123-115 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. While the headlines leading into the game focused on the star power on both sides, it was Naji Marshall who stole the show for Dallas, matching his season highs with 30 points and nine assists to propel the Mavericks past a resilient Golden State squad.
Naji Marshall Leads the Mavericks to Fourth Straight Win
The Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors matchup saw Marshall step into a primary playmaking role with remarkable efficiency. Shooting an incredible 10-of-12 from the field, Marshall was the engine of the Dallas offense, adding seven rebounds to his 30-point, nine-assist performance. His ability to navigate the Warriors' defense and find open teammates was critical, especially as the Mavericks looked to maintain their momentum during their most successful stretch of the season.
Marshall wasn't the only Maverick to deliver a standout performance. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, continued to justify the hype. Despite being on a soft minutes restriction after returning from a sprained left ankle, Flagg logged 30 minutes and recorded 21 points along with a career-high 11 rebounds. His presence on the glass and defensive versatility provided the interior stability Dallas needed to withstand Golden State's perimeter onslaught.
Stephen Curry Makes NBA History with 10,000 Career 3-Point Attempts
Despite the loss, the night belonged to the record books for Stephen Curry. The Warriors' superstar became the first player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career three-point attempts. Curry finished the evening with 38 points, connecting on 8-of-15 shots from beyond the arc. His career tally now stands at 4,222 makes on 10,007 attempts, further cementing his legacy as the greatest shooter the game has ever seen.
Curry’s offensive explosion kept the Warriors within striking distance for much of the game. He poured in 13 points in the third quarter alone, briefly giving Golden State the lead. However, the historic milestone was bittersweet as the Warriors struggled to find consistent secondary scoring in the wake of significant roster setbacks.
Warriors Struggle with Injuries and Discipline
The loss dropped the Warriors to 0-2 since the devastating news of Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL injury. The absence of Butler has left a massive void in Golden State’s rotation, and the injury bug bit again on Thursday night. Jonathan Kuminga, who had recently returned to the rotation, scored 10 points in just nine minutes before exiting the game with left knee soreness after an awkward landing. He is scheduled for an MRI on Friday.
Beyond the injuries, the game turned on a series of disciplinary lapses in the fourth quarter. With the Warriors leading by one midway through the final frame, Draymond Green was assessed a flagrant foul. The ensuing 11-0 run by the Mavericks, fueled by Green’s arguments with officials, effectively swung the momentum for good. Green eventually fouled out with 3:50 remaining, leaving the Warriors without their defensive anchor during the closing minutes.
Supporting Cast and Looking Ahead
The Mavericks’ depth was on full display as several players stepped up to support Marshall and Flagg. Max Christie contributed 21 points, while Brandon Williams provided a spark off the bench with 19 points. Veteran center Dwight Powell anchored the paint with a double-double, finishing with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Klay Thompson, facing his former team, added six points on two first-half three-pointers.
With this victory, the Mavericks continue their climb in the Western Conference standings. They will look to keep the streak alive on Saturday when they host the Lakers. For the Warriors, the focus shifts to recovery and regrouping as they head to Minnesota to continue their four-game road trip, hoping for positive news regarding Kuminga’s knee and searching for a way to win without Butler.
Sources & Original Reporting
