3 things that propelled Dallas Mavericks to WCF Game 4 win over Warriors

Thing that propelled Dallas Mavericks to Game 4 win over Warriors: 1. Defense

The Mavs made it to the Western Conference Finals by playing stout defense. In the first round, Dallas held the Utah Jazz to 100 or fewer points in four of the six games. It transferred over to the second round as the Mavericks limited the Suns to their three lowest-scoring games of the season in the final 5 to advance, but it had been absent against the Warriors. Golden State averaged 115.7 points per game through the first three and Dallas had no answers for their motion offense.

Things changed on Tuesday night as the Warriors had just 70 points in the first three quarters. Yes, Golden State made a comeback in the fourth with their bench players on the floor as they scored 39 in the period, but Dallas relaxed with a 29-point lead. The Mavericks had played stout defense and forced the Dubs into plenty of mistakes in the first three quarters.

Making shots helps the Mavs' defense. The Warriors love to push off misses, and they pressed a bit as Dallas’s lead grew in Game 4. If the Mavericks keep making shots, their defense will improve too.

The Dallas Mavericks' win forces a Game 5 back in the Bay Area on Thursday night. Golden State wants to finish the series on their home floor, so expect a strong performance from Stephen Curry and the Dubs. Can the Mavs win on the road? Be sure to tune in to find out.