The Golden State Warriors couldn’t capitalize on their size advantage and late-game opportunities, falling 111-107 to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Stephen Curry led Golden State with 25 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, but struggled with efficiency, shooting just 9-of-23 from the field and 4-of-13 from beyond the arc.Â
Jimmy Butler added 21 points in his third game with the Warriors, but his potential game-tying driving layup in the final seconds was disallowed after being called a charge into Kyrie Irving—a decision upheld after video review.
Despite the Warriors’ dominance inside, where they outscored the Mavericks 62-48 in the paint and had a 33-11 edge in second-chance points, they couldn’t contain Irving. The Dallas guard torched Golden State for 42 points and delivered a critical defensive play by drawing the charge on Butler with 14.4 seconds remaining.Â
Golden State’s chances were further hindered when Curry, the NBA’s leading free-throw shooter, missed a crucial free throw late in the game that could have given the Warriors a one-point lead.
Golden State’s shooting woes also played a significant role in the loss, as they shot just 42.7% from the field and 10-of-35 from three-point range. Klay Thompson, facing his former team, contributed 17 points but wasn’t enough to offset the Mavericks’ red-hot shooting. The Warriors now face questions about their late-game execution and perimeter defense as they continue their road trip.
Stephen Curry: B+
Stats: 25 PTS, 5 REB (1 OREB, 4 DREB), 8 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 4 TO, 3 PF, 9-23 FG, 4-13 3PT, 3-4 FT, +4, 37 MIN
Curry led the team in scoring with 25 points and chipped in eight assists, but it wasn’t his most efficient outing. Shooting 9-of-23 from the field and 4-of-13 from three, he struggled to find his usual rhythm, particularly against Dallas’ aggressive defense. Despite hitting key shots late, a rare missed free throw in crunch time loomed large in the narrow loss.
Jimmy Butler: B+
Stats: 21 PTS, 9 REB (6 OREB, 3 DREB), 7 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 3 TO, 3 PF, 8-17 FG, 0-0 3PT, 5-6 FT, -17, 35 MIN
Butler’s 21 points and nine rebounds showcased his ability to impact the game on both ends. He was particularly aggressive on the offensive boards, grabbing six and keeping possessions alive. However, his critical charge in the final seconds was a turning point, erasing a chance to tie the game. Despite the late miscue, Butler’s presence is clearly elevating the Warriors, even as he continues to find his fit.
Gary Payton II: B
Stats: 14 PTS, 2 REB (0 OREB, 2 DREB), 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 6-9 FG, 2-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, +3, 16 MIN
Payton made the most of his limited minutes, scoring 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including two three-pointers. He brought his trademark energy and defensive intensity, finishing with a +3 plus/minus. While his rebounding and passing numbers were minimal, Payton’s efficient scoring provided a spark off the bench in an otherwise tough night for the Warriors’ role players.
Moses Moody: B
Stats: 14 PTS, 5 REB (2 OREB, 3 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 0 TO, 4 PF, 5-13 FG, 2-8 3PT, 2-3 FT, +8, 27 MIN
Moody provided a solid scoring punch with 14 points but struggled with consistency, shooting 5-of-13 overall and 2-of-8 from three-point range. He contributed on the boards with five rebounds and made an impact defensively with two blocks. Despite his +8 plus/minus, Moody’s offensive inefficiency hindered his ability to deliver more meaningful contributions in key moments.
Draymond Green: B-
Stats: 13 PTS, 5 REB (2 OREB, 3 DREB), 5 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK, 3 TO, 1 PF, 5-10 FG, 0-1 3PT, 3-3 FT, -13, 32 MIN
Green was active on both ends, filling the stat sheet with 13 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks. However, his three turnovers and -13 plus/minus reflected his struggles to control the game during pivotal stretches. While Green’s defensive presence was undeniable, his offensive limitations and occasional lapses in focus were costly in a close contest.
Kevon Looney: C+
Stats: 4 PTS, 8 REB (3 OREB, 5 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 1-3 FG, 0-0 3PT, 2-2 FT, +12, 15 MIN
Looney continued his consistent work on the glass, grabbing eight rebounds in just 15 minutes. He also added two assists and a block, showing his value as a steady inside presence. However, his offensive contributions were minimal, scoring just four points on 1-of-3 shooting. Looney’s +12 plus/minus underscored his effectiveness, but his limited minutes reduced his overall impact.
Brandin Podziemski: C+
Stats: 8 PTS, 2 REB (1 OREB, 1 DREB), 5 AST, 3 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 1 PF, 4-9 FG, 0-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, +13, 24 MIN
Podziemski had an up-and-down performance, finishing with eight points and five assists in 24 minutes. He also tallied three steals, showcasing his defensive activity. However, his three turnovers and 0-of-2 shooting from beyond the arc highlighted his inexperience. While his +13 plus/minus was encouraging, Podziemski needs to tighten up his decision-making to maximize his role.
Gui Santos: C
Stats: 0 PTS, 7 REB (2 OREB, 5 DREB), 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 1 PF, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, +10, 12 MIN
Santos didn’t score in his 12 minutes on the floor but grabbed seven rebounds and dished out two assists. His hustle on the boards and +10 plus/minus were positives, but his lack of offensive aggression left the Warriors shorthanded in a game where scoring was at a premium. Santos showed flashes of his potential but remained a minor factor overall.
Quinten Post: C
Stats: 5 PTS, 4 REB (1 OREB, 3 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 2-3 FG, 1-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, -19, 12 MIN
Post provided five points and four rebounds in 12 minutes, shooting an efficient 2-of-3 from the field, including a three-pointer. Despite his scoring efficiency, his -19 plus/minus reflected the team’s struggles during his time on the floor. Post’s contributions were respectable for his role, but he wasn’t able to make a significant difference in a tightly contested game.
Buddy Hield: D
Stats: 3 PTS, 3 REB (0 OREB, 3 DREB), 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 1-9 FG, 1-6 3PT, 0-0 FT, -21, 29 MIN
Hield had a night to forget, scoring just three points on 1-of-9 shooting, including 1-of-6 from beyond the arc. His three rebounds and lack of assists or defensive stats further compounded his struggles. With a team-worst -21 plus/minus, Hield’s poor shooting and inability to contribute in other areas significantly hurt the Warriors in a game where every possession mattered.
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