Depleted Warriors Beat Mavericks

In spite of injuries, the Golden State Warriors won 112 – 97 against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. 23 – 6 Golden State faced the underdog Mavericks who beat the San Antonio Spurs in their last game.

The Warriors were without Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Zaza Pachulia and Nick Young. However, they achieved an eighth straight win due to some stand out individual performances.

Kevin Durant continued his fine form in the absence of Stephen Curry. He finished the game with 36 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. He shot 15-of-23. Over the last three games, he has averaged 33 points.

After going in 48-48 at halftime, the Warriors pulled away in the second half. Veteran Israeli forward Omri Casspi finished with 17 points, 11 boards and 7-of-9 shooting, season-high figures. It was his 17th career double-double.

On his extended run in the side, Casspi said his focus is on being prepared:

“Same mindset, just play hard. I want to stay sharp, stay ready whenever I’m called upon.”

Klay Thompson also produced an incredible 4th quarter performance. He made four straight three pointers in a 2 minute period to put the game to bed. He ended the game with 25 points.

Miscommunications

Dirk Nowitzki put in a good performance for Dallas. He combined with Harrison Barnes and J.J Barea for 28 points in the first half. He finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds.

Barnes, who scored 16 points against his former team, paid testament to the talent in this Warriors roster.

“They’re a talented team and we let a few miscommunications let them get a run going, and we just couldn’t really stop them,” he said.

Golden State rookie Jordan Bell ended his 4th career start with 8 points, 8 assists, six rebounds and two steals.

The Warriors play the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. The Dallas Mavericks play Spurs again on Saturday.
The Warriors are overwhelming favourites to win the 2018 NBA Championship at – 175.