Dallas Mavericks impressive run ends as Warriors take Game 5 to advance

The Dallas Mavericks saw their season come to an end on Thursday night as the Golden State Warriors dominated the action at the Chase Center. Luka Doncic and the Mavs tried to make a comeback in the second half, but the Dubs were just too much as they advanced to the NBA Finals for the sixth time in eight years.

Dallas lost four of the five games in this series, but it is important to remember that nobody predicted the Mavericks would reach the Western Conference Finals. They topped the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs after playing the first three games without Luka. Nobody thought Dallas would defeat the top-seeded Suns, especially after they fell behind 2-0 and 3-2 in the series, but the Mavs fought their way to the Western Conference Finals behind their 23-year-old superstar.

Golden State was locked in and dominated Dallas in Game 5. The Warriors have still not lost at the Chase Center in these playoffs, and they should be favored to win their fourth title since 2015. The Dubs were the better team in the Western Conference Finals, but that should not take away from the Mavs' incredible 2022 postseason.

Dallas Mavericks impressive run ends as Warriors take Game 5 to advance

Game 5 was a disappointing night for Dallas. Klay Thompson shot the lights out, Kevon Looney had another double-double, and Jordan Poole was impressive off the bench. All five Warriors starters scored in double-figures as they finished off the series on their home floor.

Luka Doncic had just six points in the first half, failed to score in the second quarter, and Golden State was targeting him on the defensive end all series. He got back on track in the second half, but it was too little too late. Doncic finished with 28 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in 40 minutes of action on May 26. Fans know Game 5 and the Western Conference Finals loss will motivate Doncic to improve his game this summer.

This loss is a learning experience for the Mavs, and they need to improve to reach this stage again next season. Luka Doncic must get better on the defensive end of the floor, and the roster around him must improve. Dallas needs a center, help on the wings, depth, and potentially a second star if they want to become true title contenders. Can the front office find the right pieces to put around number 77?

It will be an important offseason for the Dallas Mavericks, and The Smoking Cuban will be covering it all from rumors to news to opinions on what the organization should do, so be sure to check back with us often for all the latest.