Dallas, TX — The last time Golden State and Dallas met, the Warriors took home a close match-up. Sunday night, both teams were locked in for yet another close battle. Despite the efforts of Luka Doncic’s 26 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and Harrison Barnes’ 22 points, the Mavericks were not able to beat Golden State. The Warriors once again captured another close victory, 119-114, behind the spectacular play of Stephen Curry.
Curry started the first quarter out by making four of his six three point shots and Kevin Durant managed nine points and a block. As a whole, the Warriors shot the ball much better than Dallas, shooting 43.5% as compared to the home team’s 38.5%. Another big difference at the beginning of the game was the defense by Golden State. In fact, by the end of the opening frame, the team had blocked five shots.
However, the Mavericks withstood the hot shooting and tight defense from the Warriors, holding the early lead, 29-25.
One reason Dallas had the lead was because of Doncic’s play. His ability to attack and move the ball offensively left Golden State on its heels. The rookie’s movement helped get his teammates involved as nine of 10 active players for Dallas scored before halftime.
As expected, the Warriors refused to back down and by intermission held the lead, 62-54.
While the Mavericks struggled to slow down Curry, they were successful in limiting Durant. With the third under way, Dorian Finney-Smith found himself on Durant and held him to only seven points in the frame.
However, after the game, head coach Steve Kerr elaborated on the Warriors getting more touches for Curry instead of Durant in the second half.
“He knew Steph had it going. And, there were a couple of plays that I called for Kevin and he said ‘no, let’s flip it, let’s go the opposite way’ and they would change spots. Those guys always have a great feel for what is happening on the floor and KD is so unselfish.”
Even with the Mavericks trying different match-ups against Golden State, they could not staunch the Warriors offensive bombardment. Curry would prove to be Dallas’ kryptonite as he continued to hit threes from all over the court.
By the end of the night, Curry cashed in on 11 triples as he scored a game-high 48 points. He also contributed with six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two blocks. Durant added 28 points, seven rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two blocks on the night.
Although Dallas’ bench outscored Golden State’s 38-21, the Mavericks could not stop the Warriors who won, 119-114. The victory now gives the defending champs, four straight wins. Down the stretch, Dallas had opportunities to win but in the end, costly turnovers and the inability to convert the Warriors’ turnovers, doomed the Mavericks.
“We had a couple of possessions in which we were unable to score and they came down and hit a couple of threes. We just couldn’t get Curry under control. He was brilliant tonight.”
Dallas will return to the court Wednesday, Jan. 16 against San Antonio while Golden State will face Denver on Tuesday, Jan. 15.
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