Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) comes up with the loose ball against Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Monday, Oct. 23, 2017. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

by Jerry Feitelberg

DALLAS — The Golden State Warriors played a great first quarter, a not-so-good second quarter but put it all together in the third and fourth quarters to easily defeat the Dallas Mavericks 133-103.

The Warriors never trailed in the game. They seemed to be on a mission in the first quarter as they scored forty points and led 40-24 after the first twelve minutes of play. Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson all played well as the Dubs dominated.  The second quarter, however, did not go as planned. The Mavericks refused to wilt and after trailing by eighteen put the pressure on the Warriors. There was no question the Mavs were outplaying the Warriors as the Dubs were committing too many fouls and too many turnovers. Dallas trailed by just one paint 63-62 late in the first half, but the Warriors made a bucket to end the half with a three-point advantage 75-62 Steph tallied 17, KD 15 and Klay had 8. The Mavericks’ leading scoring was Wesley Matthews with 14, Dirk Nowitzki had 6, Harrison Barnes 0, Yogi Ferrell 8, Dwight Powell 7 and J.J.Barea added 9.

The third quarter belonged to the Warriors once more. The Warriors stopped committing fouls and did not turn the ball over. They had terrific ball movement, and they pulled away from the Mavericks as they outscored them 34-22 in the third period. The offense was led by Steph, Klay, Draymond Green, and KD. THey propelled the Warriors to a 99-84 lead after three.

They kept it going in the fourth quarter. The outgunned Mavericks could do nothing as the Warriors behind KD, Klay, Andre Iguodala upped the lead to 111-89 with 6:17 left. Coach Steve Kerr removed the regulars, but the bench kept the momentum going and the Warriors cruised to a 133-103 victory.

Game Notes – The Warriors finished the road trip with a 2-1 record and evened the season record to 2-2. The Mavericks dropped to 0-4.

Steph Curry led the Dubs with 29 points. Curry made 13 free throws, and it was the third consecutive game that Curry has had double-digit free throws. Curry passed Nate Thurmond on the Warriors all-time scoring list and is now in fifth place. Klay Thompson finished the night with 21 points and has made a three-point shot in 58 consecutive games.

It was the first time the Dubs scored forty points in the first quarter, and it was the 43rd time in Kerr’s tenure.

Jordan Bell made a spectacular dunk in the fourth quarter. Dallas coach Rick Carlisle glared at Bell as Carlisle thought he was showboating. The players on the Warrior bench were absolutely amazed by the play. The Dubs bench played well. too. Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingstone, JaVale McGee, and Nick Young came through for Golden State. Young was impressive as he made four 3-point shots and ended the game with 13.

The Mavs were led by Wesley Matthews 19, Dirk Nowitzki 11, Harrison Barnes, 13, Yogi Ferrell 13, Dennis Smith, Jr 10. J.J.Barea finished with 13 and Dwight Powell, the Stanford product, ended the night with 10.

The Warriors return home to face the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night at Oracle Arena. Game time is at 7:30 pm.