Dallas MavericksOpen full analysis
Golden State WarriorsOpen full analysis
Golden State defeated Dallas 126–116 on December 25 at Chase Center, with Stephen Curry leading the Warriors with 23 points and De'Anthony Melton adding 16. Despite shooting just 44.4 percent from the field, Golden State's three-point barrage proved decisive—the Warriors made 14 threes compared to Dallas's four, controlling the tempo through a dominant first quarter (40 points) that set the tone. The Mavericks countered with efficient scoring from Cody Flagg (27 points) and B. Williams (26 points), shooting 55.1 percent overall, yet couldn't overcome the Warriors' perimeter advantage and ball movement (33 assists). Golden State's defensive rating of 109.2 stifled Dallas's offensive rhythm, while the Mavericks managed just 18 assists and committed 11 turnovers. The final margin of 10 points fell well short of the Vegas total of 231.5, reflecting the game's defensive intensity in the second half. The Warriors' ability to generate offense through three-point shooting without relying on high field-goal percentage underscores their resilience heading into the season's second half.
