The Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry who desperately was reaching out for the ball was held to only 14 points against the Dallas Mavericks on Wed Jan 5, 2022 in Dallas (AP News photo)

Warriors Offense Falls Short in Loss to Dallas 99-82

By Barbara Mason

While it is near to impossible to ignore the excitement that is brewing in the land of the Warriors there are still two important games that have to be focused on right now. First up for Golden State (29-8) is the Dallas Mavericks (2-18). The major challenge for Golden State in this game would be the huge presence of Luca Doncic. The Warriors failed that challenge and took a 99-82 loss in Dallas on Wednesday night.

The first quarter of this game was about as tight a game as you could wish for as well as fairly low scoring; tied at 21. The second quarter began as much as the first had ended. The teams would trade baskets and remain within a point or two of each other until the final four minutes of the half. The Mavericks got their offense going and put a number of stops on the Warriors. At the half Dallas held a 50-39 lead.

The only player on the floor with double digits in the the first half was Luca Doncic with 15 points. The high score for the Warriors was Damien Lee with seven points off the bench.

This was a very ugly start for Golden State with ten turnovers and 1 of 15 from downtown. Doncic was able to do as he pleased in the first half. The Warriors would have to contain this guy in the second half and not let him dictate the game.

It was a sight for sore eyes when Stephen Curry opened the third quarter with a three. The Warriors came out with some much needed energy in the quarter. The Warriors had mounted a 19-3 run through the first ten minutes of play in the third. The Warriors had built a slim lead with four minutes left in the quarter 63-61. Although the Warriors outscored the Mavericks 28-20 in the third quarter they still trailed 70-67.

The Warriors would need all onboard in the fourth quarter to win this game and with four minutes left they were not getting it done. Golden State was holding the Mavericks to 36% shooting so the defense was getting the job done; it was the offense for the Warriors that was falling flat on their face.

This was probably one of the worst offensive showings of the season for Golden State. They couldn’t buy a basket despite getting a lot of good looks. Andrew Wiggins finished with 17 points and Curry with 14. This was just one of those nights when the entire team was off.

The team will now head to the Big Easy for a meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.