Dallas Mavericks survive a late rally to beat Golden State Warriors 112-103: NBA Recap
The Dallas Mavericks did suffer a few hiccups late in the game but eventually cruised past the Golden State Warriors here in Oakland.
After leading by 19 points late in the third, Mavericks almost gave up their lead when the Warriors came within three. The Mavericks, however, held on for the win 112-103.
Dirk Nowitzki had a team high 27 points for Dallas, but was reduced to only 1 rebound, his lowest for the season. David Lee had a game high 30 points and 8 boards for the Warriors.
The 1st quarter was contested closely by both teams, with 6 lead changes. Dallas trailing by 17-18 came strong to reel off 10-2 run and closed the quarter leading at 27-20. Brandan Wright had 4 points in the run, including 2 free throws, and Dirk Nowitzki ended it with a 3 pointer with 1.4 seconds remaining in the quarter.
Dallas were leading 33-26 in the second, when they went on a 7-0 run, with Carter scoring on back to back attempts and Rodrigue Beaubois hitting a three pointer to cap off the run, and give Dallas a comfortable 40-26 lead with 8:29 remaining till the half.
The defending champions maintained that advantage. Late in the half, Nowitzki was fouled while attempting a three and went to the foul line for 3 free throw attempts. He made all three giving Dallas a 50-33 lead. Back to back points by David Lee to close the 1st half helped Warriors reduce the Mavericks lead to 63-49 as both teams headed into the 2nd half.
Mavs opened the 2nd half with back to back two pointers to take a 67-49 lead over the Warriors. They kept a comfortable 10 plus lead throughout the quarter, but lost momentum in the end. The Warriors went on a 7-0 run late in the 3rd period which was capped off by a 3 pointer from Klay Thompson, reducing the lead to 87-79. Vince Carter was able to get a layup in for Dallas before the end of the period and Dallas went into the final quarter leading 89-79.
The Warriors opened the final quarter strongly, with Nate Robinson scoring a jump shot followed by a 3 pointer. Brandon Rush then hit a three pointer to bring the Warriors within 3 points of the Mavericks.
Dallas kept their composure though and back to back three pointers by John Terry and Vince Carter gave the Mavericks an 11 point lead again. The Warriors were unable to cut the Mavericks lead after that and Dallas went on to win 112-103.
Brandan Wright had 16 points and 9 rebounds for Dallas while Vince Carter added 12 points. Jason Terry also scored 16 points as the Mavericks bench contributed 57 points. Jason Kidd almost had a triple double night with 9 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists and 3 steals. Shawn Marion grabbed 12 rebounds.
Klay Thompson had 24 points for Golden State but apart from Lee and Thompson, none of the Golden State players made any mark offensively in the game. Dallas had 10 turnovers in the game compared to 16 for Golden State, and shot 50% from the field against 46.9% from Golden State.
With this win, Dallas are in 6th position in the Western Conference, 1 win clear of 7th place Houston Rockets. They are also only 1.5 games behind 5th place Memphis Grizzlies now.
Tags: