Christmas delivered a moment filled with symbolism at the Chase Center. Klay Thompson returned to the Bay Area as a Dallas Mavericks player to face the Golden State Warriors, the franchise where he built his legacy. It marked his first matchup against his former team this season and his fifth meeting with Golden State since being traded to Dallas.
On the court, Thompson posted a modest stat line off the bench. He finished with seven points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in Dallas’ 126–116 loss, which dropped the Mavericks to 12–20. Still, the spotlight remained firmly on his reunion with Stephen Curry.
A quiet Christmas tribute
According to Athlon Sports, Curry led the Warriors with 23 points, four assists, and three rebounds, but his pregame gesture drew the most attention. The two-time MVP wore the ANTA KT 11 sneakers, Thompson’s signature model, as a tribute to his longtime teammate. Cameras captured several warm exchanges between the two during and after the game.
Klay Thompson on Steph Curry wearing his signature ANTA shoes:
“It was great. Really cool. Wish he didn’t get a win in them, but it was awesome. Respect.” pic.twitter.com/lGqTqcj2Tg— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) December 26, 2025
After the final buzzer, Thompson responded candidly to Curry’s gesture. “It’s been great. Very cool,” Thompson said. “I wish he hadn’t won with them, but it was incredible. I respect him,” as reported by Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News.
The moment unfolded amid growing speculation about Thompson’s future. ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that people close to Thompson believe a move could eventually happen, emphasizing Curry’s influence in any potential decision. Curry himself recently acknowledged the idea of a reunion, calling it “incredible” and leaving the door open to reaching out if the opportunity arises.
With Dallas struggling this season and Thompson now filling a reduced role off the bench, uncertainty surrounds what comes next. What remains undeniable is the mutual respect between two franchise icons, clearly visible on a night when past and present collided in San Francisco.
