AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
The Golden State Warriors have had ups and downs recently. The tides hit again Sunday.
Despite leading by as many as 21 points in the third quarter, the Dubs watched as the Dallas Mavericks erased that deficit with a 26-3 run in the fourth quarter.
The Warriors were without Draymond Green and Klay Thompson for the game and it was a tough loss. The good news for Golden State is that Green is close to returning to game action and participated in a full practice Saturday.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters that he looked great, having his energy back in the gym. That is a positive step for him and we will go from here.
Despite dealing with a number of injuries, the Warriors have remained one of the league's best teams. James Wiseman has yet to play this year as he recovers from a torn meniscus. The absences were felt against the Mavs.
The Dallas team is coming together after dealing Kristaps Porzingis to the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline. The deal looked smart on Sunday.
Key facts.
Luka Doncic had 34 points and 11 assists.
Spencer had 24 points, five assists.
The DAL player had 14 points and nine boards.
Stephen Curry had 27 points and 10 assists.
Andrew Wiggins had 18 points.
Kevon Looney had eight points and 10 rebound.
They went off.
The Warriors looked to have this one under control, leading by as many as 21 points midway through the third quarter, only to watch the Mavericks stun them down the stretch.
That was in large part due to Doncic, who didn't have his most efficient performance on the perimeter (3-of-9 from three) but still kept the Mavs afloat on a night when the team's four other starters combined for just 34 points.
The struggles of the other starters is a major concern for a Dallas team that has failed to pair Doncic with a reliable second star for his entire career. It's an excellent sign for the team that he helped erase the huge deficit.
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42Last 2 games for Spencer Dinwiddie18/26 from the field
5/8 from 3
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribeDinwiddie has been a terror
There are signs of potential in the Doncic-Dinwiddie partnership. As they battle for playoff positioning, the Mavs can only ask for that.
Curry was not the only one who was dishing.
It wasn't Curry's best night from deep, but he almost made up for it by facilitating for his teammates at a high level.
The Warriors reserves could not protect the lead.
A loss to a playoff-bound Mavs team can be forgiven, especially on a night when Curry was a bit cold from deep. The Dubs feel as though they gave one away by blowing a huge lead.
What is next?
The Warriors will look to make it three wins in a row when they travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. Time. The Mavs will play the Lakers in Los Angeles at 10 p.m. on the same night. The show is on TNT.
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