Dallas Mavericks fall flat as Warriors take 3-0 edge in Western Conference Finals

The Dallas Mavericks could not get anything going on May 22 as the Golden State Warriors came to the American Airlines Center and picked up a 109-100 win to take a 3-0 edge in the Western Conference Finals. Not much went right for Dallas as the Dubs dominated the glass and had more assists, but it was poor shooting that sunk the Mavs.

Luka Doncic made a bit of history in the first half as he scored 15-plus for the tenth straight game, which was the longest streak over the last 25 years per ESPN Stats and Info. Dallas was down just one at the break, but another strong third quarter from Golden State propelled them to victory. Doncic was even better in the fourth, but he did not get enough help in Game 3.

Spencer Dinwiddie and Jalen Brunson stepped up, but the rest of the Mavs struggled. Here is a look at how Dallas performed, and why the series all but ended on Sunday evening.

Dallas Mavericks fall flat as Golden State Warriors take 3-0 edge in Western Conference Finals

Doncic had a 20-point fourth quarter to finish the night with 40 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks in 40 minutes of action. He made 11 of 23 from the field, including sinking four 3-pointers, and went 14 of 17 from the foul line. It was his eighth 40-point NBA playoff game, and there was even a Luka Doncic dunk in Game 3.

Spencer Dinwiddie had 26 on seven of 13 shooting, including making four 3-pointers, and Jalen Brunson finished with 20 on seven of 12 from the field. Only three other Mavericks scored as the rest of the roster had just 14 points. Reggie Bullock missed all ten of his field goal attempts as Dallas shot 40.5 percent from the field in Game 3. That may not tell the entire story as the Mavericks pushed it over 40 in the fourth on a poor shooting night.

The Warriors all but ended the series on Sunday. No NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win. Golden State has too much talent and shooting to be the first-ever. Stephen Curry and company will make enough shots to win at least one of the next four games, and the Dubs have a chance to sweep on Tuesday night.

It was a night to forget for Dallas, but it was a positive season no matter how this series ends against Golden State. The Mavericks had a chance to win each of the last two, but the Warriors are hungry to get back to the finals and they took control in the second half of both.

Dallas does not want their season to end in a sweep, so expect to see the Mavs come out with a bit more energy on Tuesday night. If Dallas is going to come back, they need to look at just one game at a time. It will take some Luka magic to win Game 4 and avoid their season ending. Be sure to tune in to see what Doncic has up his sleeve in an elimination game.