The Dallas Mavericks got their revenge on the Golden State Warriors for an early November loss tonight with a 143-133 win in the Chase Center. Both teams set a new NBA record for most combined threes made in a game (48), as the Mavericks came out on top during this shootout.
Luka Doncic had his best game of the season with 45 points (16-23 FG), 11 rebounds, 13 assists, three steals, and two blocks in an incredible showing. Klay Thompson put up 29 points (9-14 FG) and five rebounds while Kyrie Irving had 21 points (8-16 FG) with eight assists. Quentin Grimes contributed 14 points (5-12 FG) while PJ Washington had 13 points (4-7 FG).
The Warriors tried matching Dallas offensively, led by Andrew Wiggins‘ 29 points (11-20 FG). Stephen Curry put up 26 points (9-19 FG) and 10 assists while Draymond Green had 21 points (6-14 FG) and seven rebounds. Jonathan Kuminga scored 20 points (9-15 FG) as well and Lindy Waters had another solid shooting performance with 12 points (4-7 3P).
Let’s take a look at the biggest takeaways from what was the highest-scoring game of the season so far.
First-Half Brilliance
The entire game was an offensive masterpiece by both teams, as it was a display of tough shot-making by two teams who rank in the upper half of defensive rating this season. The first half set an incredible tone of offensive efficiency for both sides, with the pendulum swinging towards each team in both quarters.
The first quarter saw the Mavericks get off to an incredible start, scoring 46 points while shooting 17-26 (65.3 FG%) from the field and a ridiculous 8-13 (61.5 3P%) from three. The Warriors kept pace with a solid shooting performance of their own, going 12-26 (46.1 FG%) from the field but 7-13 (53.8 3P%) from three for 33 points in the quarter. Both teams produced high-quality shots with great ball movement, with Dallas having 12 assists and Golden State having nine in this stretch.
The Warriors came out swinging in the second quarter, going 15-29 from the field (51.7 FG%) compared to the Mavs 12-22 (54.5 FG%). The Warriors were red-hot from three, going 11-19 (57.8 3P%) while dishing 15 assists in the quarter, meanwhile, Dallas went cold and shot just 4-12 (33.3 3P%) from distance with 11 assists in the quarter. Golden State trailed by just seven points at the half with both teams setting a season-high score through the first two quarters (81-74).
Mavericks’ Unreal Efficiency Kept Them Ahead
We have to discuss the Mavericks’ overall efficiency this game, as they ended the game with a ridiculous 52-87 (59.8 FG%) from the field. Their three-pointers weren’t far behind, going 21-41 (51.2 3P%) from beyond the arc as well. Golden State shot more threes with 27-54 (50.0 3P%) but their overall field goal efficiency (49-103, 47.6 FG%) couldn’t compared to what the Mavericks achieved.
Dallas’ offense helped them pull out a wire-to-wire win despite them shooting 16 fewer shots than the Warriors. Golden State also out-assisted Dallas 39-36 while forcing the Mavericks into coughing up 15 turnovers compared to their 10 on the game. The Warriors also grabbed 15 offensive rebounds to Dallas’ 10 to create more second-chance opportunities, although they didn’t materialize in the win tonight.
Finally, one of the biggest keys for this Mavericks win came from the free throw line, as Dallas went 18-25 (72.0 FT%) in the game compared to Golden State going 8-11 (72.7 FT%). The Warriors don’t have a play style that generates a lot of free throws compared to the Mavericks having multiple players to draw extra free throws, with activity on that front being a key differentiator tonight.
Luka Doncic Masterclass
Luka Doncic hasn’t been the MVP candidate we’ve expected him to be to open this season. Doncic played through injuries at the start and the Mavericks struggled as a result, with the team reversing its fortunes when Doncic missed a week for a wrist injury. Since he’s come back, he’s proven to the world why he’s one of the best in the NBA with this game showcasing all the best qualities in him.
This was a two-way performance for Doncic, who defended well although the Warriors’ shotmaking was on-point tonight. He forced them into turnovers and even managed to disturb many shots by getting a touch on it and racking up blocks. He will never be a steady DPOY defender on the perimeter, but Doncic was a defensive ace in his role tonight.
We know how impactful Doncic can be offensively when he’s having a good night, and this is the epitome of it. He controlled the Mavericks offense from every angle, executing great off-ball plays to allow teammates to generate shots for him or get more space on offense while maximizing his on-ball possessions with incredible passing or shotmaking.
He ended the night with 45 points (16-23 FG, 6-11 3P, 7-9 FT), 11 rebounds, 13 assists, three steals, and two blocks. He had three turnovers due to his high usage, but Mavs fans will take that any day if he produces like this and helps them win games where the opponents seemingly can’t miss their shots.
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