Imagine a basketball game where history is made, tempers flare, and a rookie defies all expectations. That's exactly what happened when the Dallas Mavericks clashed with the Golden State Warriors on January 22, 2026, in a thrilling 123-115 showdown. But here's where it gets controversial... Was Draymond Green's flagrant foul the turning point that cost the Warriors the game, or did the Mavericks simply outplay them in the clutch? Let’s dive into the details.
Naji Marshall stole the spotlight, matching his season-highs with 30 points and nine assists, propelling the Mavericks to their fourth consecutive win—their longest streak of the season. Meanwhile, the Warriors dropped to 0-2 since Jimmy Butler’s devastating season-ending knee injury, leaving fans wondering if they can bounce back without their star.
And this is the part most people miss... While Stephen Curry’s historic night—becoming the first NBA player to attempt 10,000 three-pointers—was awe-inspiring (he went 8-for-15 from deep, scoring 38 points), it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Curry’s milestone now stands at 4,222 made threes out of 10,007 attempts, a testament to his unparalleled shooting legacy.
Cooper Flagg, Dallas’ No. 1 rookie, was supposed to be limited to 20-25 minutes due to a recent ankle sprain. Instead, he dominated with 21 points and a career-high 11 rebounds in 30 minutes, proving why he’s the future of the franchise. Bold prediction: Could Flagg be the next big thing in the NBA?
The Mavericks’ depth shone as Max Christie and Brandon Williams each chipped in 21 and 19 points, respectively, while Dwight Powell secured a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Even Klay Thompson, facing his former team, contributed six points with two first-half threes.
The game’s turning point came midway through the fourth quarter when Draymond Green was called for a flagrant foul, sparking heated arguments with officials. Less than a minute later, another foul by Green was reviewed but not deemed flagrant. Despite this, the Mavericks capitalized with an 11-0 run, sealing the victory as Green fouled out with 3:50 left. Was Green’s frustration justified, or did it cost his team the game?
Adding to the Warriors’ woes, Jonathan Kuminga exited early with left knee soreness after scoring 10 points in just 9 minutes. His awkward landing while dribbling down the court marked his second game back after a month-long absence from coach Steve Kerr’s rotation. Butler’s injury had opened the door for Kuminga, but now his health is in question.
Looking ahead, the Warriors face a tough back-to-back in Minnesota starting Saturday, while the Mavericks host the Lakers, with Luka Doncic facing his former team. Will the Warriors find their rhythm, or will the Mavericks continue their winning streak?
What’s your take? Did the officials make the right call on Green’s fouls, or did they sway the game’s outcome? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your thoughts!
