Honestly, if you’re still thinking about the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks through the lens of that 2022 Western Conference Finals, you’re living in a time capsule. The NBA moves fast. In 2026, this matchup isn't just about Steph Curry’s shimmy or Luka Doncic’s step-back; it’s about a massive shift in how these two franchises are built.
The Dubs just beat Dallas 126-116 on Christmas Day, but don’t let the score fool you into thinking it was a blowout. It was a grind.
The New Dynamic of GSW vs Dallas Mavericks
Most folks assume the Warriors are still the same "Splash Brothers" dynasty, but that’s not the reality anymore. Klay Thompson is wearing a Mavericks jersey now. Watching him walk into Chase Center as a visitor—which he did again recently—still feels like a glitch in the Matrix.
Steph Curry is 37. He still drops 23 points and seals games with clutch triples, like he did on December 25th, but the "new" Warriors rely heavily on guys like Jimmy Butler and Brandin Podziemski. Butler, who Golden State brought in to provide that veteran grit, had a near triple-double in their last meeting with 14 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. It’s a different kind of basketball. Less chaotic. More calculated.
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On the other side, Dallas is no longer just "Luka and a bunch of guys." They’ve got the rookie phenom Cooper Flagg. He dropped 27 points in his Christmas debut against the Dubs. If you aren't watching Flagg, you're missing the future of the league. He’s 6'9", plays like a seasoned vet, and honestly, he might be the best thing to happen to Luka's career since the invention of the pick-and-roll.
Key Injuries and the January 22nd Showdown
We’re heading toward a massive rematch on January 22, 2026, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. But here’s the kicker: the injury reports are a mess.
Steph Curry is currently dealing with a back issue and isn't expected back until late January. That changes everything. Without Steph, the Warriors' offense can get stagnant, putting a massive load on Jimmy Butler’s shoulders.
Dallas has it worse, though. Anthony Davis—yeah, AD is a Maverick now—is out until at least March with a finger injury. Kyrie Irving is still recovering from a torn ACL, and Dereck Lively II is done for the season. It’s basically Luka and Cooper Flagg against the world.
Why the "Luka vs. Steph" Narrative is Evolving
We love the superstar 1-on-1. It sells tickets. But GSW vs Dallas Mavericks has become a chess match between Steve Kerr and Jason Kidd.
Luka is averaging nearly 12 free throw attempts per game this season. He’s playing a physical, deliberate game that drives the Warriors' defenders crazy. Draymond Green (still the heart of that Dubs defense) spent half the Christmas game arguing with officials because Luka is just that good at drawing contact.
- Warriors' Strategy: They want to run. Even with an older roster, they use Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody to push the pace.
- Mavericks' Strategy: They want to slow you down. They use Luka’s gravity to find Cooper Flagg in the dunker spot or kick it out to Klay Thompson for the "revenge" three.
It’s weird seeing Klay on the other side. He’s been dealing with some knee soreness lately, but when he’s on, the Mavs are terrifying. He scored 26 off the bench in a recent stretch, proving he’s still got that flamethrower.
What the Stats Actually Tell Us
If you look at the last 20 games between these two, the Mavericks are actually trailing 9-11. It’s incredibly even. Dallas has historically dominated at home, winning 6 of the last 7 in the American Airlines Center.
The Warriors are 20-18 right now, sitting 8th in the West. Dallas is struggling a bit more at 14-23, largely because of those injuries to AD and Kyrie. But don't count them out. In the NBA, a 14-23 team with Luka Doncic and Cooper Flagg is still a nightmare for anyone in the playoffs.
Real Insights for the Next Matchup
If you’re planning on watching or betting on the January 22nd game, keep an eye on the "Over." Both these teams have been scoring at a high clip despite the injuries.
Golden State’s defense has been erratic. They’re only 5-10 against the spread in their last 15 games. They tend to let leads slip in the fourth quarter, which is exactly when Luka Doncic thrives.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Monitor the Curry/Thompson Injury Status: If Steph is out and Klay is in, the Mavs have a massive shooting advantage. Check the morning shootaround reports on the 22nd.
- Watch the Cooper Flagg Matchup: Draymond Green will likely draw the assignment on the rookie. This is a "Welcome to the NBA" moment every time they meet.
- Value the Home Court: Dallas is a different beast at the AAC. If the line is within 3 points, the home team usually has the edge.
This isn't the same rivalry it was four years ago. It’s better. It’s more complex. And frankly, it’s some of the most entertaining basketball you’ll see all year.