By Matthew Harrington

The Golden State Warriors put a Texas-sized beatdown on the Dallas Mavericks Friday night, topping Dirk Nowitzki and company 104-89. Golden State (48-12) produced one of its best recent defensive performances to best the Mavs for a third-straight contest this season.

The Warriors, led by Andrew Bogut’s game-high 13 boards, out-rebounded the Mavs 51-34. Golden State’s defensive identity returned in spades at home Friday, with the Warriors holding the Dallas (40-24) to 36.8 percent shooting. Nowitzki, Rajon Rondo and Monte Ellis went a combined 13 for 45 from the field.
Stephen Curry again dropped a night’s-best 22 points on a 6-for-11 shooting night, including 5 of 8 on three-pointers while Draymond Green came a rebound shy of the double-double (18 pts, 9 rebounds). Reserve Shaun Livingston put up 10 points and pulled down 10 boards to accomplish the feat.
The Warriors took a 29-24 lead after the first quarter, then held Dallas to 16 points while adding 23 of their own for a 52-40 halftime edge. Golden State outscored the Mavericks 52-49 to close out the win.

The defensive showcase comes at a perfect time for the Warriors. They host the rival Los Angeles Clippers Sunday in a high-profile match-up.