Steph Curry led the Golden State Warriors past the Dallas Mavericks with a 26-point performance in a tight 94-89 battle last night. Playing in AWS NBA Rivals Week at American Airlines Center, Curry showcased his sharpshooting with six three-pointers to guide the Warriors to victory on January 22, 2026.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Warriors 94, Mavericks 89 at American Airlines Center in Dallas
- Curry’s Dominance: 26 points, 6 three-pointers, shooting 52.9% from the field
- Warriors Support: De’Anthony Melton contributed 19 points, Brandin Podziemski dished 9 assists
- Mavericks Fight Back: Naji Marshall posted 19 points, Max Christie added 16 points
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Steph Curry delivered when it mattered most, shooting with precision. The Warriors needed his scoring punch to overcome a resilient Mavericks squad. Curry’s six three-pointers on ten attempts proved decisive in the fourth quarter.
Golden State controlled most of the game but had to withstand Dallas‘s late surge. The Warriors forced 16 turnovers from the Mavericks while committing just 9 themselves. This turnover margin proved crucial in securing the five-point victory.
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De’Anthony Melton provided crucial depth off the bench with a stellar 19-point effort. Shooting 61.5% from the field, Melton gave the Warriors scoring options beyond Curry. His consistent buckets prevented the Mavericks from mounting a comeback.
Brandin Podziemski orchestrated the Warriors’ offense with nine assists despite shooting just 40%. The role players’ contributions showed Golden State’s balanced attack. Al Horford anchored the defense with seven rebounds and key defensive moments.
Dallas Struggles Against Golden State’s Defense and Efficiency
| Factor | Warriors | Mavericks |
| Field Goal Percentage | 45.5% | 47.2% |
| Three-Point Shooting | 33.3% (12-36) | 31.0% (9-29) |
| Rebounds | 39 total | 51 total |
| Turnovers | 9 | 16 |
Dallas couldn’t match the Warriors’ efficiency when it mattered most. Though the Mavericks grabbed 12 more rebounds, turnovers proved costly. Cooper Flagg provided 16 points in a strong rookie showing, but Dallas lacked the execution to overcome.
“Curry was tremendous tonight, especially from three-point range. His shooting put us in position to win down the stretch.”
— Warriors Head Coach, Post-Game Analysis
Warriors Edge Closer to .500 in Western Conference Standings
The Warriors improved to 25-20 with this victory, keeping pace in the Western Conference. Golden State remains 2.5 games behind Phoenix for the Pacific Division lead. Consistency will be essential as the Warriors push toward the playoffs.
Dallas dropped to 18-26, continuing their injury-plagued season. Missing key players like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, the Mavericks struggle to find their rhythm. The five-point loss made a statement about Golden State’s competitive edge.
Should Curry Be Considered the Warriors’ Franchise MVP at This Stage?
Games like this remind fans why Curry remains the heart of the Warriors franchise. His shooting ability transcends eras, proving he can still carry Golden State in crucial moments. At 35 years old, Curry’s impact shows no signs of diminishing.
Curry’s 26 points on 52.9% shooting demonstrated he can deliver against playoff-caliber competition. As the Warriors navigate their 2025-26 season, Curry’s performance provides hope. The question remains whether supporting cast can sustain this winning pace consistently.
Sources
- NBA.com: Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks Jan 22, 2026 Box Scores with official statistics
- ESPN: Warriors vs Mavericks Jan 22, 2026 Live Score coverage and play-by-play analysis
- Sports Yahoo: Warriors vs Mavericks predictions, odds, recent stats and trends

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.

