Dallas Mavericks Lose as Golden State Warriors Cruise to Victory

December 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Curry (30, front) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, back) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Curry (30, front) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, back) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks took a lopsided loss to the chin on Tuesday. The Warriors started a little bit slow, but once things got rolling, never looked back in a 112-87.

The Dallas Mavericks’ playoff chances took another slip as they fell to the Golden State Warriors. The Mavericks kept it relatively close….until the second quarter. Dallas began its 4 game home stand by facing a hot Golden State Warriors team that held a 4 game win streak.

Now, make that 5.

The Warriors shot 55% from the field making 42% of their 3s in the process. Klay Thompson led both teams with 23 points, while Steph Curry came one assist short from a double-double. He finished with 17 points and 9 assists. Draymond Green finished the game with 7 points in only 28 minutes.

Mar 21, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Nerlens Noel (3) lays on the floor after being fouled during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Nerlens Noel (3) lays on the floor after being fouled during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

For a team looking to secure that last playoff spot in the West, a lopsided loss isn’t exactly the first step in the right direction for Dallas.

The Mavericks shot a lowly 36% from the field. Dirk Nowitzki led the team in points with 16. Newest acquisition Nerlens Noel was second in points with 14, followed by Yogi Ferrell with 12 and Seth Curry with 10. Harrison Barnes struggled with only 5 points, going 2-10 from the field.

Even though eyes were on the sibling rivalry of the Curry Bros., a fight for playoff position was certainly at stake. The Mavericks now continue a tough, 3 game home stand that will prove their mental toughness. The Clippers, Raptors and Thunder come into town…ALL playoff bound teams.

The Golden State Warriors looked like a team who wanted to make a statement. The Dallas Mavericks looked as if they weren’t ready for a fight. This loss will now put Dallas 3 games behind the Denver Nuggets for the final 8th seed in the Western Conference.

Next: The Dallas Mavericks Shouldn't Write Off Luke Kennard

If anything, the time is now for the Mavericks to make their stand. If the playoffs are on the agenda for the franchise, it’s about time to get in gear.

The road won’t get easier.

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