"SAN FRANCISCO - The Warriors' Christmas Day opponent does not share a time zone or even a division with Golden State, but it would be difficult to find a more fitting foe for the NBA's flagship day than the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs dwell among the Western Conference's bottom-feeders, but no team in either conference presents the sheer volume of storylines as the outfit from Texas' largest city. From beloved Bay Area icons returning home to the best rookie in the league to a possible trade target and more, there is plenty for Warriors fans to be excited about."
"Klay is back Although it has now been almost two years since Klay Thompson starred as one half of the game-changing "Splash Bros." duo, he remains a franchise icon. Thompson helped the franchise win four titles while making five All-Star teams and earning four All-NBA selections. He missed two full years with injuries, but returned in the back half of the 2022 season to help the Warriors win the NBA title. Thompson left for the Mavericks in free agency in the summer of 2024."
"Jason Kidd returns When discussing the greatest hoopers to come out of the Bay Area, Jason Kidd is a lock for that Mt. Rushmore. The Mavericks coach was once a basketball prodigy from the East Bay. He was the 1992 Oakland Tribune boys high school player of the year after averaging 25.3 points, 9.8 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 7.1 steals per game as a senior at St. Joseph-Notre Dame in Alameda. Kidd was the driving force of the Pilots' march to back-to-back CIF Division I championships as a junior and senior, defeating Fremont-Los Angeles and Mater Dei-Santa Ana in those title contests."
The Warriors will play the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day, creating a high-profile matchup filled with storylines. Klay Thompson returned to the Bay Area after leaving for Dallas in free agency in summer 2024; he remains a credible outside threat at age 35, shooting 35.3% from three, and previously helped the franchise win four titles. Jason Kidd, now the Mavericks coach, is a Bay Area basketball product who earned 1992 Oakland Tribune boys high school player of the year honors and led his high school to back-to-back CIF Division I championships.
Read at The Mercury News
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