Second Half Dominance Boosts Warriors Over Mavericks

Following a hard fought second quarter, the Warriors coast to a 30-point victory as the Dallas Mavericks fall to 0-4. Dallas was led in scoring by Wesley Matthews with 19 points.

After a disappointing 0-3 start to the season, it’s difficult to remain optimistic when the Mavs next game is against the reigning champs, especially when the champs have started off slow at 1-2.

The Warriors came into Dallas and did what the Warriors tend to usually do, and that’s win, but not without a fight from the Mavs. Golden State started out firing on all cylinders with a 40-24 first quarter lead, which had Mavs fans assuming it’d be a long night.

The second quarter was a completely different story. Just as hip-hop artist and Grapevine native Post Malone was spotted sitting next to Mark Cuban, the Mavs caught fire, specifically Wes Matthews, as the Mavs outscored the Warriors 38-25 to go into halftime only down 65-62.

Though the Mavs caught the momentum in the second quarter, there’s really no such thing as momentum swings when you play the Warriors. And as the two teams came out of the locker rooms for the third quarter, the Warriors proved just that.

DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 23: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on October 23, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

In the second half, it was a typical Warriors outing. Crisp passing, lights out shooting, and timely rotations on defense as we’ve come to expect from the champs, as Golden State ran away with a 133-103 victory.

Golden State’s stars came to play tonight as Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson combined for 75 points in the victory. For the Mavs, it was a complete team effort with seven players in double figures.

Wes Matthews came back strong after two poor performances in a row. Matthews scored 19 points from every spot on the floor. In his first game back from knee swelling, Dennis Smith Jr. put up a respectable 10 points and 6 rebounds. Postgame, Rick Carlisle praised the rookie point guard and his early growth as a pro.

Next: Wesley Matthews and the Tough Situation in Dallas

Standing at 0-4, the Mavs have to find ways to squeak out some victories as the schedule doesn’t ease up. Dallas faces a back-to-back against Memphis and our old confidant Chandler Parsons, starting on Wednesday at the AAC.

Following a hard fought second quarter, the Warriors coast to a 30-point victory as the Dallas Mavericks fall to 0-4. Dallas was led in scoring by Wesley Matthews with 19 points.

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