DALLAS, TX - MARCH 3: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks goes to the basket against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half at American Airlines Center on March 3, 2022 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. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks’ Game 4 only delayed the inevitable
DALLAS, TEXAS – MAY 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks drives against Draymond Green #23, Kevon Looney #5 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in Game Four of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at American Airlines Center on May 24, 2022 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. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks have their backs against the wall in the Western Conference Finals. Did the team’s victory in Game 4 help their chance of winning the series?
Adversity can bring out the best in individuals who are built to answer its call. Tuesday’s elimination game forced Jason Kidd’s squad to leave it all on the hardwood. Their previous struggles against the Golden State Warriors did not exist in game four. While Stephen Curry and Draymond Green plotted on their next Finals appearance, Luka Doncic focused on staying alive.
Luka Doncic led the @dallasmavs to victory dropping 30 points to secure the Game 4 W and force a Game 5. #MFFL
Luka Doncic: 30 PTS, 14 REB, 9 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK
DFS: 23 PTS, 6 REB
Reggie Bullock: 18 PTS, 6 3PMGame 5: Thu. 9pm/et on TNT pic.twitter.com/4DeB0KIcQs
— NBA (@NBA) May 25, 2022
A hot Dallas Mavericks start got the home crowd buzzing
Home court advantage helped the Mavericks obtain their first win in the Western Conference series. Efficient shooting and ball movement played a prominent role in Tuesday’s victory. Dallas finished the game with a 50% field goal percentage, out-shooting the Warriors by 1.2%.
Fans inside the American Airlines arena knew their franchise player to show up to play. Doncic’s thirty-point effort led the Mavericks to a 15-point lead at halftime. Contributions from role players allowed Kidd’s squad to maintain their lead for the rest of the game. Dorian Finney Smith and Jalen Brunson combined for 38 points on 25 attempts.
Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson lead the @dallasmavs with 13 points each at the half.
GSW 47 | DAL 62
Halftime on TNT pic.twitter.com/H9ALyCUf6Y— NBA (@NBA) May 25, 2022
Steve Kerr and his players refused to lay down easily. Late buckets from Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson cut Dallas’ lead to eight points with a minute remaining. Their team’s valiant effort was not enough to secure the series sweep. Anxious for Thursday’s meeting, the Warriors will make sure they are prepared to close this conference out in their home arena.
Dallas Mavericks need to duplicate Game 4
Dallas will need to duplicate their efforts from Game 4 to stay alive in the series. A plethora of three-pointers and a slight edge in rebounding kept the Warriors from ending a quick Conference Finals round. They finished the evening shooting 46.5% from the three-point line, 10.8% better than the Splash brothers and their teammates.
When compared to Dallas’ young team, the Warriors are too much. When Golden State re-focused in the fourth quarter of Game 4, they held the Mavericks to twenty points.
To better position themselves for Thursday, the team must prepare Kevon Looney to get more involved in on offense. His three points on three attempts served as the lowest total among starters.
When Stephen Curry and the Warriors know how to close out important series. If Kerr and his squad want to advance to the Finals, he will need a team effort.
