Golden State Warriors vs Dallas: What Most People Get Wrong

The energy surrounding a Golden State Warriors vs Dallas matchup in 2026 feels fundamentally different than it did just two years ago. Most fans are still looking for the old script. You know the one: Steph Curry and Klay Thompson raining threes from the wings while Luka Dončić orchestrates a slow, methodical dismantling of the defense. But if you’ve actually watched the tape lately, you know that script was tossed out the window and shredded.

Klay is in a Dallas jersey now. Jimmy Butler is wearing the Golden State bridge on his chest. And Cooper Flagg? He’s basically the new face of the Mavericks' future while the present remains an injury-riddled puzzle.

Honestly, the "rivalry" isn't even about the old 2022 Western Conference Finals anymore. It's about two franchises desperately trying to figure out how to stay relevant in an era where the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets have set a terrifyingly high bar.

The Klay Thompson Factor: It’s Still Weird

Seeing Klay Thompson in Mavericks blue is still a bit of a gut punch for the Bay Area faithful. People thought he’d just be a "spacer" for Luka. Kinda like a luxury version of what Reggie Bullock used to be. But in 2026, Dallas has needed him to be so much more, especially with the injury bug absolutely devouring their roster.

Kyrie Irving is out following knee surgery. Anthony Davis—who is somehow on this Mavs team now—is sidelined with a finger sprain. This has forced Klay into a role where he’s sometimes the second or even first option depending on the night.

Is he the same Klay from 2018? No. Obviously.
But he’s still dangerous.
Against Utah just a few days ago, he had a historic night that reminded everyone why you can’t leave him open. Even at 35, the release is still lightning. When the Golden State Warriors vs Dallas game tips off on January 22 at the American Airlines Center, you can bet Steve Kerr is going to spend half the pre-game meeting talking about not over-helping off his former sniper.

Why the Warriors Aren’t the "Old" Warriors

If you haven't checked the Golden State roster recently, it might give you whiplash. The front office decided to go "all-in" on the remaining years of Stephen Curry’s prime by pulling off a massive trade for Jimmy Butler. It changed their DNA overnight.

They went from a "we’ll outscore you" team to a "we’ll out-compete you" team.
Golden State currently sits 8th in the West with a 23-19 record. That's not dominant, but their defense is ranked 8th in the league. Jimmy Butler is leading them in scoring some nights, like his 32-point outburst against the Knicks on Thursday.

• Stephen Curry: Still the engine. Averaging about 28.7 points.
• Jimmy Butler: The grit.
• Brandin Podziemski: The Swiss Army knife who keeps the bench alive.
• Draymond Green: Still yelling, still defending, still the heartbeat.

The problem? Curry is currently dealing with a bruised quad. He played through it against New York, but he was clearly in pain afterward. In a long season, these "minor" things are what decide whether a team clinches a top-six seed or falls into the play-in tournament trap.

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The Cooper Flagg Reality Check

The Mavericks landed the biggest prize of the 2025 Draft: Cooper Flagg. He is currently averaging over 21 points and nearly 7 rebounds. He’s the reason Dallas fans haven't completely jumped off a bridge during this 16-26 season.

Basically, the kid is a monster.
He’s 6'9", can handle the ball like a guard, and defends the rim. Most people expected him to be a project. He wasn't. He's a day-one contributor who has been forced to carry an unfair load because the veterans around him can't stay on the floor.

When you look at Golden State Warriors vs Dallas, the individual matchup to watch isn't even Steph vs. Luka anymore. It's how the Warriors' veteran defense, led by Draymond and Butler, tries to rattle a rookie who plays with the poise of a ten-year vet. If Flagg gets going, the Mavs can beat anyone. If he struggles, Dallas doesn't have the depth to keep up.

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What Most People Get Wrong About the Matchup

The biggest misconception is that this is still a high-flying offensive showcase.
It’s not.
The Mavericks are struggling defensively without Anthony Davis protecting the paint. They’re giving up nearly 118 points per game. Meanwhile, the Warriors are playing a much slower, more physical style of basketball than the "Seven Seconds or Less" vibes of the past.

If you’re betting on this game or just watching for fun, don't expect a 140-138 shootout.
Expect a grind.
Expect Jimmy Butler to try and get under Luka’s skin.
Expect Andrew Wiggins (if he's healthy) or Jonathan Kuminga—who, by the way, has reportedly requested a trade—to be the X-factors.

Strategy and Actionable Insights

If you're following the Golden State Warriors vs Dallas trajectory for the rest of the 2026 season, keep your eyes on these three specific things:

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1. Monitor the Quad: Steph’s quad injury is the single most important variable for the Warriors. If he sits, their offense craters. They don't have another creator who can warp a defense like he does.
2. The Kuminga Trade Watch: Jonathan Kuminga is unhappy. If the Warriors move him before the trade deadline, it’ll likely be for more veteran shooting or a backup big. Any trade will immediately shift their betting odds.
3. Dallas’s Health Horizon: The Mavs are a lottery team right now because they are missing four starters. Once Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving return, they will go on a run. Don't sell your "Mavs making the playoffs" stock just yet.

The next game is Thursday, January 22, at 7:30 PM EST in Dallas. If you’re heading to the American Airlines Center, watch the warm-ups. See how Steph is moving on that leg. Watch how Klay interacts with his old teammates. The stats tell you the score, but the body language tells you who's actually going to win the mental battle.

Stop looking at the 2022 highlights. The 2026 version of this matchup is about survival, transition, and a rookie sensation trying to topple a dynasty that refuses to die.