Let’s talk about unfinished business, Dub Nation. When the Orlando Magic (16-12) visit Chase Center tonight, the Warriors (14-15) have a chance to settle a score from back in November when Orlando came into their house and handed them a 121-113 loss that stung worse than a papercut soaked in lemon juice.
Orlando Magic at Golden State Warriors
When: December 22nd, 2025 | 7:00 PM PT
TV: NBC Sports Bay Area
Radio: 95.7 The Game
That November matchup? Steph Curry dropped 34 points and moved past Vince Carter on the all-time scoring list, while Jimmy Butler III added 33 in what should’ve been a celebration. Instead, Orlando’s depth absolutely overwhelmed the Warriors’ bench 35-22, with Anthony Black leading the charge with 21 points off the pine. The Magic destroyed Golden State in the paint, outscoring them 64-46 in the restricted area like they were running a layup line at halftime.
Here’s what makes tonight’s rematch fascinating: Orlando is a wounded team now. They’re currently riding a rough patch, losing three of their last seven games including that overtime nail-biter against Utah where Desmond Bane had to bail them out with 32 points.
The Magic are still dealing with the Franz Wagner ankle injury that’s limited his availability, and Mo Wagner continues his recovery from that torn ACL. Meanwhile, the Warriors are trying to claw back to .500 after a frustrating stretch that’s seen them lose nine of 14 at one point. But there’s something different brewing at Chase Center lately. The Curry-Butler dynamic is starting to click in ways that feel sustainable rather than spectacular, and the offense is finding rhythm when it matters most.
The key tonight? Protecting the paint. Orlando feasted in the restricted area last time because Golden State couldn’t match their physicality. If the Warriors can keep Orlando honest at the rim and force them into their less efficient mid-range game, this becomes a much different contest than November’s disappointment.
Curry’s been clutch in recent games, and Butler has shown he can be the enforcer Golden State needed against physical teams like Orlando. The Magic might have the same depth advantage, but the Warriors are playing at home where they’ve been noticeably better this season.
This isn’t just another December game. This is about proving that November loss was a fluke, not a blueprint.
