The first two possessions immediately plunge us into the heart of the matter, with Klay Thompson defended by Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green (11 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks, 2 interceptions) defended by Klay Thompson. The two Warriors also start strong. They both hit the mark from afar on the head of their former sidekick, and Curry's 12 points put Golden State in control of the match (24-15).
The awakening of Luka Doncic (31 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists) however allows the Mavs to remain in ambush, before reversing the trend (33-27).
A playoff match
In the wake of the Slovenian, Dallas dissected the aggressive defense of the Dubs and passed them a 21-6 in six minutes to take the advantage (48-41). The Warriors then continued losing balls, Derek Lively II (12 points, 8 rebounds) inside, plus two winning shots from Klay Thompson then put them at -11 (57-46). It takes a good pass from Jonathan Kuminga (16 points) and a defensive burst to keep Golden State in contact (63-59).
The Warriors drive home the point after returning from the locker room. Their defense limits Dallas to 1/10 on shots and forces four loose balls in the first six minutes of the third quarter while 13 points from the Stephen Curry – Trayce Jackson-Davis duo complete a scathing 20-3 (79-66)!
Under the leadership of Doncic and while the Warriors are harvesting on the free throw line, the Mavs respond with a 10-0 (79-76). Curry and Doncic then respond blow for blow, but the skill of Buddy Hield (14 points) and the offensive rebound harvest of Kevon Looney and Jackson-Davis (14 in total) keep Golden State in front (96-89).
Stephen Curry wishes everyone “good night”
Who says fourth quarter says Kyrie Irving (21 points, 6 assists) for the Mavs. The leader, so far discreet, scores 9 of his team's first 12 points to equalize (98-98). The Warriors are in trouble and Klay Thompson adds another layer, scoring 8 points in three minutes including two 3-pointers in front of their bench, to put Dallas at +7 with five minutes to play (112-105)!
With their backs to the wall, Golden State remains alive thanks to an interception by Curry on Doncic, a forceful pass caused by Draymond Green on Daniel Gafford, followed by a monumental counter to launch a 13-2 finished by Curry which gives the advantage to the Dubs (115-114). A save on Luka Doncic and Stephen Curry dances against Lively before planting the final banner to give the Warriors victory. Curry scored the Warriors' last 12 points!
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Moving and restrained tribute to Klay Thompson. The Warriors found the right balance to honor their legend without falling into too much emotion, at the request of the “Splash Brothers”, to be able to stay focused on the match at hand. Klay Thompson was treated to a guard of honor from Golden State employees upon his arrival at the Chase Center and to multiple “standing ovations”, the best of which was after a tribute video during the presentation of the starting five. Obviously moved, he ended up hiding in the Mavs' huddle to put an end to this deserved flood of affection and respect.
– Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are struggling. From the start of the match, the three Golden State legends were ready to fight and we could see that for all three, it was not “another game in November”, to use the words of the neo Mav, but a match to be won at all costs. The “money time” offered us a magnificent duel between the three players. It was Klay Thompson, with impeccable accuracy last night, who opened the hostilities by scoring 8 points in 3 minutes to put Dallas in front and in a position to win. But the Curry – Green duo went for victory with brilliant actions on both sides of the field. Klay Thompson had the opportunity to respond to them but in vain, while Curry had the last word in the last thirty seconds.
– Luka Doncic passes away at the worst time. The Mavs star had 31 points on 13/24 shooting after three quarters, holding off Stephen Curry. The duel of the superstars promised to be difficult to decide the outcome of the match but Doncic missed his three shots in money time, lost two balls, and remained fanny in this last period. His request for a video challenge at the start of the fourth quarter was also a big mistake when the Mavs could have “challenged” Green’s strong pass and counter in the final minutes.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
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