Curry, Butler Lead Warriors to Christmas Day Win Over Mavericks, 126-116

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In a thrilling Christmas Day matchup, the Golden State Warriors edged out the Dallas Mavericks 126-116, thanks to a stellar performance from Stephen Curry and a solid team effort. Curry scored 23 points, including a crucial 3-pointer with 3:45 left on the clock, while Jimmy Butler chipped in with 14 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds. The Mavericks' rookie sensation Cooper Flagg made a strong impression in his Christmas Day debut, netting 27 points on 13-for-21 shooting, alongside six rebounds and five assists. Brandon Williams also made a significant contribution off the bench with 26 points. Klay Thompson, who had been sidelined with knee soreness, returned to action and received a warm welcome from the crowd. Curry, a long-time teammate of Thompson's, was seen taking a peek at his warm-up routine before the two exchanged a heartfelt greeting at midcourt. The Mavericks' Anthony Davis was forced to exit the game in the second quarter due to groin spasms, while Draymond Green played through foul trouble to contribute seven points and five rebounds. Moses Moody and Al Horford were instrumental in getting the Warriors off to a strong start, with Moody connecting on his first 3-pointer of the game and Horford making all four of his attempts from beyond the arc. After a seven-game absence due to sciatica, Horford returned to the court and finished with 14 points, while De'Anthony Melton scored 16 and Brandin Podziemski added 13 points, eight rebounds, and four assists off the bench. The Mavericks will face the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, while the Warriors head to Toronto to face the Raptors on Sunday.