The Warriors vs. Mavericks showdown was both a reunion of brothers and a farewell between brothers.

Just like in the playoffs, whether it was Curry and Thompson or Luka and Draymond, everyone delivered their best performances. The next time they meet, maybe the excitement and dedication won’t be the same.

With 20 seconds left, Curry isolated against the switched center LeVert and sank a three-pointer through the hoop—118-114, game sealed. As he ran, Curry made a sleeping gesture, a signature move he’s used to declare an opponent’s defeat, now aimed at a “brother.” But when brothers become rivals, once they’ve embraced and wished each other well, the bond of brotherhood and camaraderie must be left in the past, replaced by ruthless focus.

Thompson was desperate to win this game, but both he and Curry were so invested that they stumbled in clutch moments: before the final minute, Thompson missed an open three-pointer, and Curry failed to connect on an alley-oop to Wiggins.

Then came Curry’s decisive blow: the prayer hands sleep gesture, followed by a roar into the camera. Even though he said he’s turned the page and started a new chapter, this new chapter wouldn’t have begun without this showdown.

Humans are emotional beings, attached to home and familiar grounds, reluctant to leave—especially when they’ve tasted glory and disappointment there, been loved, tolerated, and even painfully let go.

Deep down, he refuses to admit that the Warriors have changed, that he himself has changed—and what’s done can’t be undone. He needed this moment to express himself, to prove something.

Thompson’s hunger for this game was so intense; only by playing it could he let go of the burden and move forward.

Watching the Splash Brothers trade threes on opposite teams, I didn’t see it as sibling rivalry or internal conflict. The world has always been this way—it’s just that the Splash duo stayed together so long and were so special that seeing them in different jerseys on the same court felt jarring.

But like the flowers and plants around you, life and careers are forever in flux. Remember: the only constant in this world and your surroundings is that everything—including yourself—is always changing and evolving.