Curry’s Off Night Balanced by Warriors’ Team Effort
Ahead of the game, the anticipated showdown between star players Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic set a relaxed atmosphere. However, despite the Warriors’ recent winning streak, the team’s overall performance this season has been far from reassuring. In a critical moment of the season, with Jonathan Kuminga sidelined and Curry struggling to find his rhythm, the Warriors finally received significant support from their teammates in today’s home game against the Mavericks.
Intense Start Reflects Playoff Atmosphere
Both teams entered the game with high stakes, as the Warriors aimed to maintain their position amidst fierce competition in the Western Conference. The Mavericks arrived on a seven-game winning streak, battling for playoff positioning in the highly competitive Western Conference. The intensity was palpable from the first quarter, resembling a playoff matchup. Despite Doncic’s early offensive prowess, the Warriors maintained a lead thanks to balanced scoring from seven players.
Mavericks’ Third Quarter Surge
The Mavericks gained momentum with a 21-2 run spanning the end of the second quarter and the beginning of the third, briefly taking the lead. However, the Warriors responded as Andrew Wiggins, who has struggled this season, stepped up with 10 consecutive points to level the score. Contributions from Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Chris Paul, and Gary Payton II helped the Warriors reclaim the lead by the end of the third quarter.
Warriors’ Key Plays Down the Stretch
In the fourth quarter, Klay Thompson, Podziemski, and Chris Paul extended the Warriors’ lead to double digits. However, the Mavericks, led by Kyrie Irving, mounted a comeback, tying the game with a 13-2 run. Crucially, Thompson’s clutch jumper and Draymond Green’s defensive prowess, including a pivotal block, helped the Warriors regain control. Despite late three-pointers from the Mavericks, key baskets from Wiggins and free throws from Thompson secured the Warriors’ victory.
Curry’s Struggles Offset by Balanced Scoring
While Curry had an off night, shooting just 5-of-18 from the field for 13 points, the Warriors benefited from balanced scoring. Wiggins led the team with 23 points, supported by Thompson and Chris Paul with 14 points each, and Moody contributing 12 points off the bench. Green’s all-around performance with 11 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and stellar defense was crucial in securing the win.
Doncic’s Triple-Double in Vain
Despite Doncic’s impressive triple-double performance with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, and Irving’s 27 points, the Mavericks fell short. P.J. Washington added 20 points, and Daniel Gafford contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds. However, the Mavericks’ bench scoring of 13 points paled in comparison to the Warriors’ 39 points off the bench, highlighting the difference in depth between the two teams.
Warriors Extend Lead in Playoff Race
With the win, coupled with the Rockets’ loss to the Timberwolves, the Warriors now hold a three-game lead over the 11th-seeded Rockets in the Western Conference. Despite recent challenges, the Warriors are poised to secure a play-in tournament berth, although they may need to win two consecutive games to clinch a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Mavericks missed an opportunity to gain ground in the playoff race, remaining tied with the Pelicans in the standings and just one game ahead of the Kings and Suns. (Betso88)