Luka Doncic Returns From Injury, Mavs Lose to Stephen Curry's Warriors

With major implications regarding the Western Conference standings, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors faced off on Wednesday night.

DALLAS — In a rematch of the 2022 Western Conference Finals, the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors faced off in a matchup with major implications on the standings. It was the Warriors that won the contest, 127-125. The Mavs dropped to 36-37 on the season, while the Dubs improved to 38-36 in addition to gaining the tie-breaker. 

While Kyrie Irving was sidelined due to right foot soreness, Luka Doncic made his return from a left thigh strain. He displayed his elite court vision by often drawing multiple defenders and finding the open man. He reminded the NBA's viewers of his one-man offensive capabilities as a scorer and passer. 

Despite neither team shooting efficiently from 3-point range in the opening half, both teams managed to put up over 30 points in the first two quarters. The Warriors held a narrow 65-63 lead over the Mavs, often by taking advantage of Dallas' inability to protect the rim or contain the offensive glass. 

With both teams continuing the trend of putting up at least 30 points on the board each quarter after the break, the Warriors held a slight 96-93 edge at the start of the fourth quarter. Neither team managed to create meaningful separation for much of the remainder of regulation. 

The Mavs tied it up 100-100 at the 9:41 mark of the fourth period after Doncic converted a step-back 3 and Maxi Kleber drew a loose ball foul before making a free throw. The Warriors immediately answered with a made 3-pointer from Stephen Curry to regain the lead. However, Reggie Bullock tied it up again by converting a catch-and-shoot 3 on the following possession. 

The Warriors used a 8-0 run out of a timeout to pull away a bit from the Mavs, often by exploiting Doncic staying in drop coverage as opposed to getting into the ball when involved in an action. Golden State often pre-rotated the low-man on defense to overload the strong side when Doncic had the ball. 

The Mavs responded with an 8-0 run of their own, beginning with Doncic ball screening for Hardy, leading to a pull-up 3. Doncic connected with Hardy on a spray-out pass for a catch-and-shoot 3 on the following play. Doncic then attacked the rim for a finish. It became a tied game at 113-113 with 5:21 remaining in regulation. 

After forcing a turnover, the Mavs had a two-on-one fastbreak involving Doncic and Hardy, leading to Doncic making a dropoff pass to Hardy for a layup, putting Dallas ahead by two. Both teams continued to trade leads, but an and-one finish from Draymond Green pushed the Warriors ahead 123-120 after Hardy split a pair of free throws. 

Christian Wood pulled the Mavs within one after attacking out of a short-roll in a 4-on-3 situation. A successful coach's challenge gave Dallas possession with a chance to take a lead, but Doncic had missed a 3-pointer. Curry then finished a layup on the other end to push Golden State back up three with 8.1 seconds remaining in regulation. Doncic missed again, ensuring the loss.

A variety of factors held the Mavs back during what became a two-point loss. Between missing eight free throws, allowing 66 opponents points in the paint, and allowing at least 30 points in each period, Dallas had some key shortcomings. However, a free basket late in the third quarter after the officiating crew didn't communicate a changed call also proved costly. 

The Mavs return to action on Friday when they take on the Charlotte Hornets, ending a quick two-game home stint. 

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