By Matthew T.F. Harrington

The Golden State Warriors (39-8) overcame a sluggish start Wednesday night against the Dallas Mavericks, turning an early 24-4 deficit into a 128-114 win at Oracle Arena. Warriors All-Star Stephen Curry torched the Mavs for 51 points, including 27 in the third quarter to key a Golden State comeback.

Curry picked up his half-century of points over 36 minutes, nailing a Golden State record 10 threes while going 16 of 26 from the field. Klay Thompson pitched in 18 points, while Marreese Speights and Leandro Barbosa chipped in 14 apiece of the bench.

Chandler Parson led the Mavs with 24 points while Tyson Chandler added 21. The Mavericks (33-18) were playing without Rajon Rondo, absent with an orbital bone injury sustained in Dallas’ previous game.

After trailing 24-4 just under halfway through the first, the Warriors to finish out the quarter on an 21-18 run for a 42-25 deficit. A 33-20 second period put the Dubs within four at 62-58. Backed by Curry’s 27 points, the Warriors took the 101-98 edge in the third then closed out the Mavs on a 27-16 final frame.

Up next for the NBA-leading Warriors is a date with a team that has mirrored Golden State. The Dubs travel to face the Atlanta Hawks, a team that just had it’s 19 game win streak snapped, in a battle of the best in each conference.