Charlie Walter, the host of the daily Locked On Warriors podcast, with your daily Locked On Warriors newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Warriors and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
🎙️ New Episode Alert: Steph Curry Gives Klay Thompson And Mavericks A Night-Night FLURRY
Nov 12, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is defended by Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images|Cary Edmondson/Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
WHAT A GAME!
This is an all-time episode of Locked On Warriors to recap an epic game. We went live as soon as the buzzer sounded to convey the emotions from Chase Center, and man did it deliver on the hype. It had playoff intensity, drama, and a vintage performance from none other than Steph Curry. The Warriors’ victory over the Mavericks was nothing short of spectacular, and I’m here to break it all down for you.
In this episode, we celebrate Klay Thompson’s return to the Bay Area. The atmosphere was electric as 400 employees welcomed him with captain hats, and the fans cheered with every three-pointer he nailed.
But the spotlight was undoubtedly on Steph Curry, who delivered a masterclass performance, scoring the final 12 points to seal the win. His passion and determination were on full display, reminding us all why he’s one of the greatest in the game. Andrew Wiggins’ defense on Luka Doncic was another highlight, showcasing the Warriors’ tenacity and skill on the court. Draymond Green was also remarkable defensively.
Join Matt Kolsky and I as we discuss the game’s pivotal moments, the Warriors’ impressive 9-2 start, and what lies ahead in this exciting season. We’ll also touch on the strategic 12-man rotation and how it played a crucial role in this high-stakes matchup.
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Klay Thompson’s homecoming to The Bay started well before he hit the floor last night at Oracle with the Mavs and roughly 19,000 fans started waving nautical Captain hats.
It started mid-way through last season, when Golden State didn’t signal they’d immediately be resigning Thompson as the franchise had, up to then, always been in a hurry to. There were shades of it along with Thompson’s frustrations in his game changing, the splashy shots not falling as fluidly as they used to. Clues came in the way the Warriors felt their frustrations as a team: once together, a cohesive unit, and then splintering and individually.
“Even from July, when Klay decided to go to Dallas to us showing up for training camp and him not being here, it was kind of like a slow build to this night for everybody,” Warriors point guard, Steph Curry, said after last night’s game.
Basketball isn’t played in a vacuum, and Curry sharing the psychic and emotional timeline of the team underscores that in a rare glimpse behind the curtain. Sometimes its brightest full-circle moments have to struggle through discomfort, angst and loss in order to come back around. Often, the storylines with the most ups and downs are the ones that end the most cathartically.
Since this season began, Thompson’s been candid about how necessary the move to Dallas was for him. “Every pro athlete’s human, and uncertainty can bear on you,” he told ESPN prior to Tuesday night’s homecoming game.
“Honestly, it’s rejuvenated me and done something I needed bad just for my mental [state] and my career,” Thompson said.
It’s a knife’s edge between animosity for an athlete’s who’s left a franchise they share a storied history with and sympathy for their decision. What tips fans to one side or the other can skew personal, so isn’t always easy to predict, but Thompson’s tendency toward honesty helps. He’s always been someone who wears what he’s feeling on the floor openly, and for that fans — for the most part — respond with empathy. There’s a sense that through all the years he played for the Warriors there was an open conduit of conversation between him and the fanbase.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis The Warriors made the tough but right decision to part ways with Klay Thompson. That’s according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Watch
Steve Kerr’s statement following the Warriors’ victory over the Mavericks has also gained significant attention, reflecting on the team’s hard-fought win. (Sports Illustrated)
Legacy Klay Thompson feels “free” after his late-career move to Dallas. (ESPN)
Fantasy Basketball Takeaways From Tuesday - Robert Williams Day
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) shoots the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half at Moda Center. |Photo by Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Tuesday’s NBA games offered a wealth of insights for fantasy basketball managers. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways and strategic moves you should consider:
Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic
- Grant Williams: With his move to the starting lineup, Williams is a viable short-term pickup, especially while the Hornets deal with injuries. His ability to contribute in multiple categories makes him a solid addition in deeper leagues.
- Moussa Diabate: Diabate’s rebounding prowess is noteworthy, especially with the Hornets’ frontcourt injuries. He’s a strong option for those in need of rebounds in deeper formats.
- Franz Wagner: Wagner’s performance underscores his value, particularly with Paolo Banchero out. Consider selling high if you can get a top-tier player in return, as his current production may dip once Banchero returns.
Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons
- Tyler Herro: After a 40-point explosion, Herro is a prime sell-high candidate. His shooting percentages are unlikely to sustain, so capitalise on his current form to bolster your roster.
- Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey: Both players showed their potential to fill the stat sheet. Cunningham remains a must-start, while Ivey’s bounce-back game suggests he’s worth holding onto for his upside.
Don’t let other episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Warriors podcasts.
Could The Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry Be First 36 Year Old To Win NBA MVP?
Steph Curry has outshined three NBA MVP frontrunners to start the season, propelling the Warriors to a 9-2 start. Could he quietly be an MVP candidate with a strong season and a Warriors resurgence?
Steph Curry Scores Final 12 Golden State Warriors Points To Defeat Dallas Mavericks In Epic Game
Steph Curry gave Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks a night-night in the final moments, with Curry scoring the final 12 Golden State Warriors points, and racking up 37 total in the victory to begin NBA Cup play.
What We Learned After Golden State Warriors Blow 31-Point Lead, Win In OT Against Houston Rockets
The Golden State Warriors ran the Houston Rockets out of the gym.... For a half. How were the Dubs able to survive a momentum shift that saw their 31-point lead turn into a 4th-quarter deficit, and who led the charge?
