Mavericks Battle Hard, Fall To Warriors 127-107

 

For two and a half quarters on Wednesday night, the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks kept it close against the NBA best Golden State Warriors. But seven third quarter threes and a season-high 45 points from Warriors guard Klay Thompson doomed the Mavericks (26-22) in a 127-107 loss.

 

Dallas got as close as one point early in the third quarter, but never led in the game. The win was Golden State’s (42-4) 40th consecutive win at home, the second longest streak in NBA history. 

 

“I thought we battled them hard,” head coach Rick Carlisle “They got off to a really fast start and we circled the wagons and fought back. It’s disappointing to lose, but there’s some things we can build on.”

 

The Warriors opened the game on a 15-4 run despite little help from guard Stephen Curry who finished with 14 points on 4/11 shooting. For the first time in 36 games, Curry did not hit a three pointer in the first half. But even with limited production from Curry, Golden State received plenty of help from its other key members and got several easy layups which lead to a 56-48 Warrior’s lead heading into halftime.

 

“The threat of outside shooting makes it so it opens up some cuts,” Carlisle said. “We can defend that stuff better, but I felt like we did a lot of good things. It wasn’t enough.

 

Even without Dirk Nowitzki, Zaza Pachulia and Devin Harris, the Mavericks were not fazed. Dallas came out swinging in the second half and eventually cut the Golden State lead to one point when forward Chandler Parsons drained a three from the elbow. He finished with a team high 23 points and continued his hot streak, confidently stepping into his shots all night.

 

 

“Aggressive and continuing to get in a better and better rhythm,” Carlisle said of Parsons’ performance. “There’s a lot of things on this trip he can build on.”

 

Unfortunately, Parsons’ shooting display was not enough to mask the absence of Nowitzki, Pachulia and Harris. Nowitzki missed the game due to rest, while Pachulia missed his third straight game with an Achilles injury. Harris has a sprained big toe.

 

Carlisle is hopeful Pachulia can play on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets, but said nothing has been determined. 

 

“He’s our starting center,” Carlisle said. “We’ve missed him these three games, but these other guys have done a good job.”

 

The Warriors put the final nail in the coffin early in the fourth quarter when it took the largest lead of the game at 22 points. And while the Mavericks battled down the stretch, it was not enough.

 

“I’m disappointed, not dismayed,” Carlisle said. 

 

Next Up: Dallas hosts the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, Jan. 29. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.