The NBA offseason brought plenty of drama, with star players changing teams and others strengthening their rosters for the upcoming season. Last week, the league released the entire 2024-25 season schedule, giving fans even more to look forward to. Packed with must-see matchups and exciting returns, some games are set to be incredibly intense. Among them are those that carry a little extra weight—revenge games where former teammates face off or players return to their old teams.
Here are the top 5 biggest revenge games to watch in the upcoming NBA 2024-25 season
5. Dallas Mavericks at Minnesota Timberwolves, Oct. 29, Target Center
The Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves will be a rematch of the 2024 Western Conference Finals. Timberwolves star guard Anthony Edwards was the standout performer throughout the playoffs until his team ran into the Mavericks, who eliminated them in just five games. Edwards, known for his confidence and occasional trash talk, will be eager to make a statement early in the season.
This game is the Timberwolves’ chance to show they’ve learned from their mistakes and can challenge the team that bested them. Playing at home in the Target Center, Minnesota will look to exact some early-season revenge and set the tone for the rest of their campaign.
4. Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks, Jan. 25, American Airlines Center
The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks will meet again on January 25, a game that promises to be a thrilling rematch of last season’s NBA Finals. The Celtics overpowered the Mavericks to claim the championship, but Dallas has since reloaded their roster, most notably by adding former Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson.
Thompson’s arrival in Dallas should help the Mavericks space the floor more effectively against Boston’s formidable defense. With Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic orchestrating the offense, the Mavericks will look to avenge their Finals loss. Although the Celtics have superior two-way balance, the combination of Thompson’s shooting and Doncic’s MVP-caliber play could make this matchup one of the season’s best.
Finals rematches always bring extra intrigue, especially when the losing team is evolving and adding key players like Thompson. Although Thompson had a challenging shooting season, he remains a deep threat. His contributions could be crucial as Dallas aims to challenge Boston’s dominance.
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3. Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets, Feb. 22, Ball Arena
The Los Angeles Lakers will look for payback when they visit the Denver Nuggets on February 22. The Nuggets have had the Lakers’ number in recent postseason matchups, eliminating them in the last two years. Last season’s defeat was particularly painful for the Lakers, as Nugget’s Jamal Murray knocked them out with a buzzer-beater at home.
This game at Ball Arena offers the Lakers a golden opportunity to reverse their fortunes against the Nuggets. The games between these two teams are often close, but Los Angeles has struggled to close out in crucial moments.
2. Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors, Nov. 12, Chase Center
Klay Thompson’s return to Chase Center on November 12 is one of the NBA 2024-25 season’s most anticipated games. After spending 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks in the offseason, feeling disrespected by the Warriors’ contract negotiations. Now, he’ll face his old team for the first time in what promises to be an emotional and competitive showdown.
Thompson’s legacy in Golden State is secure; as half of the Splash Brothers, he helped lead the team to four championships. However, his departure was not without drama. Thompson was unhappy over how the contract talks were handled in his final season with the Warriors.
When Thompson steps onto the court at Chase Center, he’ll be looking to prove a point. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will likely make Thompson a central part of the Mavericks’ offense. He will face former teammates Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Thompson might aim to challenge Curry’s record of 14 three-pointers in a single game.
1. Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Clippers, Nov. 6, Intuit Dome
Topping the list is the November 6 clash between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers, marking Paul George’s return to Los Angeles after he departs for Philadelphia. George’s exit from the Clippers was fueled by dissatisfaction over his contract negotiations. The Clippers were unwilling to offer George the same three-year, $150 million extension given to Kawhi Leonard, leading George to seek a better deal elsewhere.
George will face his former team in one of the first games at the Clippers’ brand-new Intuit Dome. Now signed to a four-year, $212 million deal with Philadelphia, George is highly motivated to spoil the Clippers’ celebration in their new arena.
The Clippers’ decision to let George walk and avoid a hefty contract has added fuel to the fire. With both regular-season matchups between these teams happening within a few weeks, the tension will be palpable, making this game the ultimate revenge showdown of the NBA 2024-25 season.
