The Golden State Warriors are back at home and will face the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night, bringing Klay Thompson back to Chase Center in opposing colors for the second time. Thompson performed well in his first trip to the Bay as an opposing player last month, scoring 22 points and unleashing a brand new shimmy that had his former Splash Bro Stephen Curry shaking his head.

But it was Curry’s Dubs who had the last laugh as Curry buried Dallas in a trademark flurry that destroyed the visitors in the final quarter. Now Thompson gets a second shot at the team he left behind as both teams head toward Western Conference playoff berths.

Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks

When: December 15, 2024 | 5:30 p.m. PT

TV: NBC Sports Bay Area

Radio: 95.7 The Game

The Dubs were forever looking for a guard who could share the court with Curry without greatly impacting what they got from Hall-of-Famer Klay Thompson in the game. Guys like Shaun Livingston, a shy, experienced big guard with the mind of a playmaker and a premier mid-range jumper.

There was also Jordan Poole, a super scorer with spark plugs who briefly looked like the second coming of Curry himself with his spectacular long-range shooting and magical ball handling. Now Livingston is retired and Poole is doing well… a wizard.

Finding that other guard was absolutely a tall order because the Warriors’ system requires more than just scoring or defense guys. You have to have basketball IQ, adaptability and the ability to benefit from Curry’s gravity. Over the years, several guards have contributed at lightning speed, but none have established themselves as long-term partners alongside the Splash Brothers.

I remember that after Livingston’s steady contributions and three championships with the club, Quinn Cook emerged as a sharpshooter who could provide immediate offense, but his lack of size and defensive limitations made him a liability in crucial moments. And our guy, Donte DiVincenzo, fit seamlessly into the system with his frenetic and expansive shooting, but he lacked the impact to really relieve Curry.

Other attempts included Brad Wanamaker, whose steady hand and defensive performance couldn’t make up for his lack of offensive dynamism. And what about Mychal Mulder? A solid shooter who struggled to contribute beyond the three-pointers. Even our guy, Gary Payton II, is typically classified as more of a defensive force and cutting expert than a two-guard who can fetch the ball.

Poole brought perhaps the most offensive spark since Thompson with his explosive scoring and fearless shooting. At his peak, Poole electrified the 2022 playoffs, but his inconsistency and defensive errors ultimately led to his move.

Golden State may have just found that elusive player – a guard who can thrive in their system and lighten Curry’s workload in a post-Klay world. IS THIS DENNIS SCHRODER’S MUSIC?!

Let’s see what he does against Klay tonight.