PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 04: (L-R) Reggie Bullock #25, Luka Doncic #77, Dwight Powell #7 and Dorian Finney-Smith #10 of the Dallas Mavericks react on the bench during the second half of Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Footprint Center on May 04, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 129-109. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks will need help from role players to win Conference Finals
DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 27: Dwight Powell #7 and Dorian Finney-Smith #10 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrate a basket as Eric Paschall #0 of the Utah Jazz goes to the bench in the second half at American Airlines Center on March 27, 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 Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors took a 2-0 lead over the Dallas Mavericks Friday night. Can Luka Doncic and company climb out of the two-game hole?
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are two of the most dangerous snipers in the association. When the Warriors trailed 72-58 at halftime, the splash brothers bolted into action. It appeared Luka Doncic’s efforts were not enough to keep the Warriors from winning their second consecutive game.
Luka’s LOCKED IN with 18 through the 1st Q 😤 🔒
🎥: @NBA pic.twitter.com/EuGGomHtSk
— FanSided (@FanSided) May 21, 2022
Golden State Warriors energy helps squad overcome deficit
Fans inside of the Chase Center refused to give up on their team Saturday night. The energy throughout the arena continued to spread as Golden State battled until the final buzzer. The buzz rattled through the arena despite an electric second quarter from Jason Kidd’s squad. As expected, it was Luka Doncic who led the charge. A few contested three-point daggers and difficult layups helped the Mavericks gain ground on their Conference Rivals.
It was too early to consider the Mavericks the night’s victor. When asked if Dallas could close out the game, TNT’s Shaquille O’Neal replied, “they’ll have to keep it up.”
Keeping momentum alive wasn’t easy after the halftime break. Golden State outscored the Mavericks 25-13 in the third. The catalyst of the quarter was the sixth-year center, Kevon Looney.
When his team needed an extra spark, Looney provided it. “I feel honored to be a part of the ride” Looney stated after the game. His 21-point performance marked his career-high and opened the door for a demanding Warriors run.
Dallas Mavericks need more help to make a comeback
Closing out the game was easy for Golden State’s veterans. In the final quarter, Steph Curry and his Warriors teammates took command, sending Dallas home defeated. Curry finished the night with 32 points and eight rebounds. His determination remains, and his unwavering spirit helped his team put the game away.
WARRIORS TAKE A 2-0 SERIES LEAD 😤🔥 pic.twitter.com/JckG75KcnQ
— FanSided (@FanSided) May 21, 2022
The series travels to American Airlines Center Sunday, and the Mavs could use a momentum swing. If Dallas fails to produce a win, they will fall behind 3-0 in the series. Unlike the stars on the Warriors roster, Luka Doncic lacks support from his surrounding cast.
Jalen Brunson and Reggie Bullock contributed 31 and 21 points, respectively, but it still wasn’t enough to pull off a victory. The Mavericks will need Dorian Finney-Smith and Dwight Powell to step up in Game 3. Their time on the court in Game 2 only resulted in ten points combined.
The Conference Finals is a series that requires perseverance and dedication. Dallas trails Golden State by two games, but they still have a chance to revive this season.
