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Unfortunately in the NBA you usually don’t get rewarded for valiant efforts. With Dirk Nowitzki (rest), Deron Williams (groin), Devin Harris (Personal) and Chandler Parsons (surgery) out for the game, the Dallas Mavericks had their work cut out for them against the Golden State Warriors.
The backup players did everything they could to steal a win against the Warriors. After falling behind by as many as 18 in the third quarter, it looked hopeless for Dallas. The answer would come in the form of Charlie Villanueva. Charlie V. had more points in the fourth quarter tonight than any Mavericks’ player had this year in one quarter.
Knocking down three pointer after three pointer, he finished with 16 in the quarter. Dallas cut the lead down to a one possession game, even. However, back-to-back uncontested layups by Steph Curry and a couple of no-calls by the officials got the lead up to nine.
After the Mavs cut the lead within striking distance, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr brought all five starters back in the game. It was in that moment that Curry was able to split the defense and drive for an easy layup.
The next possession, it appeared Draymond Green ran through Charlie V. on a three-point attempt. He hit the ground, and the fast break started the other way. Curry extended the lead with another layup. Wesley Matthews was livid a few plays later as he appeared to be held by the Golden State offensive player setting a pick. Matthews couldn’t get to Klay Thompson, who calmly drained a three from the wing.
All-in-all the Mavs played great and gave a valiant effort in the 128-120 loss. However, valiant efforts don’t always translate into wins and it didn’t in this case. Hopefully Sunday the Mavericks can get back to winning and end the current two-game losing skid.
Dallas will be in Sacramento for the first game of a back-to-back. They will play the Kings Sunday and then the Nuggets on Monday in Denver.
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