Dallas Mavericks reserve guard Klay Thompson decided to give a couple of late Christmas gifts to his fans in the Bay Area prior to Thursday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Klay Thompson Received Warm Welcome
Thompson was spotted signing a fan’s jersey and another fan’s basketball at the end of his pregame routine. The heartfelt moment came before the five-time All-Star faced his former team in the holiday matinee matchup.
After missing Tuesday’s home game against the Denver Nuggets with soreness in his left knee, Thompson finally received a warm ovation when he entered the game for the first time with 5:51 remaining in the opening quarter.
Thompson recorded seven points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and a block in 26 minutes off the bench. He finished 3-for-8 (37.5%) shooting from the field and drilled one 3-pointer on four attempts (25%).
Klay Thompson grants a few Christmas wishes here in The Bay as he signs autographs at the end of his pregame routine. pic.twitter.com/2eFfgrqzUn
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) December 25, 2025
Klay Thompson gets a warm reception from the fans here at Chase Center as he checks in for the first time this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/S4VXnTXMeX
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) December 25, 2025
In an interview with Mike Curtis of The Dallas Mavericks News, the 13-year veteran mentioned he wasn’t feeling a sentimental attachment to the Warriors while at Chase Center this time around.
“It feels like a great day to showcase our talent on Christmas,” he said. “It’s obviously not as emotional compared to the first time, but it’s always fun coming back and seeing a lot of familiar faces.”
Mavericks Failed To Defend Stephen Curry
Mavs rookie star Cooper Flagg had 27 points on 13-for-21 (61.9%) shooting, six rebounds, and five assists in his Christmas Day debut, while Brandon Williams scored 26 off the bench.
However, Dallas couldn’t stop Stephen Curry when it mattered most.
Curry scored 23 points and knocked down a key 3-pointer with 3:45 left to help seal it, and Jimmy Butler added 14 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.
“We fought. The schedule hasn’t been in our favor,” said Mavs coach Jason Kidd. “We started this trip on the east coast, and now we’re in San Francisco. They got it down to 6 there for a second, and we just weren’t able to rebound the ball. … I thought the guys fought.”
The Mavericks visit the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.
