Final: Warriors 112, Mavs 97
Box Score | Highlights
Behind the Box Score
The Mavs got off to a great start in the first quarter, scoring 1.273 points per possession and shooting 60 percent from the field. The bigger key to their success though was avoiding turnovers, committing only two in the opening frame. The Warriors scored 20 fast break points, with most coming in the second half as the Golden State defense began forcing more giveaways. Every possession is precious and especially against a team as dangerous as the Warriors, you’ve got to avoid turning it over as much as possible.
Johnathan Motley made his NBA debut in this one, scoring his first NBA point on a free throw and later adding a left-handed baby hook for his first field goal. He finished with four points on the night.
Notebook
Dirk Nowitzki had one of his better shooting nights of the season tonight, scoring 18 points on 6-of-13 shooting and adding eight rebounds. He also attempted a season-high five free throws. The Warriors are a switch-everything team almost regardless of personnel, which can lead to some zany mismatches in the post. He was able to back down guards on a couple occasions which created some fadeaway and foul opportunities, and his 3-point shot was going strong as well, at a 2-for-3 clip. He’s shooting 50.0 percent from beyond the arc in his last 11 games on a hair over four attempts per night.
Maxi Kleber has shown some major defensive versatility lately. He guarded Karl-Anthony Towns on the last road trip, LaMarcus Aldridge two nights ago, and then Kevin Durant tonight. Checking KD isn’t an easy task for a wing, let alone a big man like Kleber who’s more used to defending centers. But the German rookie has good, quick feet which allow him to keep up with smaller, faster players. Durant obviously had a huge game so it’s hard to argue that anyone shut him down, but of all the guys who defended him, Kleber might have made it the toughest. That’s not something I would have predicted coming into the game. Credit to the experienced rook for embracing one of the toughest assignments in basketball and performing well.
What’s Next
The Mavs (8-21) will play the San Antonio Spurs (19-9) on Saturday at the AT&T Center at 7:30 p.m. Central.
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