The Golden State Warriors pulled off a critical victory on Tuesday night, outlasting the Dallas Mavericks 104-100 in a game with major playoff implications. With the Western Conference race tighter than ever, every win counts—and this one might’ve saved the Warriors’ season.
Both teams entered the matchup sitting just outside the top six in the West, looking to avoid the play-in tournament. What we got was a scrappy, playoff-type battle filled with defensive grit, momentum swings, and fourth-quarter shot-making.
Golden State leaned on Steph Curry’s leadership, timely contributions from role players, and a tightened-up defense to seal the win. Meanwhile, Luka Dončić and the Mavericks struggled to find rhythm in key late-game possessions.
Let’s break down what happened and what it means for both squads moving forward.
Game / News Breakdown
The game was close from start to finish, with neither team leading by double digits at any point. The Warriors opened strong, jumping to a quick 10-2 lead behind fast-paced offense and active hands on defense. But Dallas responded quickly, as Dončić settled into a rhythm late in the first quarter, bringing the game back within one possession.
By halftime, Golden State held a slim 52-50 advantage. Curry and Klay Thompson combined for 23 first-half points, while Dončić had 16 of his own.
The second half was a grind. Both teams traded baskets through the third, with defenses tightening up considerably. The game came down to the final three minutes, when Draymond Green came up with a huge steal and Curry iced the game with a mid-range jumper and a pair of clutch free throws.
Final score: Warriors 104, Mavericks 100.
Key Players & Performances
This was one of those games where stars had to shine—and the Warriors got just enough from theirs.
– **Stephen Curry**: The two-time MVP poured in 28 points on 10-of-20 shooting, including 5-of-12 from deep. He also added six rebounds, five assists, and hit some crucial shots in the final minutes.
– **Draymond Green**: While his box score won’t wow anyone (8 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists), Draymond made an impact defensively. His communication and help defense sparked multiple stops, and he disrupted Luka down the stretch.
– **Klay Thompson**: Thompson chipped in 18 points, knocking down four threes that gave the Warriors lifts during stagnant moments.
For Dallas:
– **Luka Dončić**: Finished with 30 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds, but struggled late. He went 1-of-6 in the final five minutes and turned the ball over on a critical possession.
– **Kyrie Irving**: Had 21 points and 5 assists but fouled out with 2:36 left, putting extra pressure on Luka to close the game.
Both benches played solid but didn’t have major X-factors to swing the game. Golden State’s depth, however, looked slightly more consistent with key contributions from Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II.
Team Impact & Standings
This win moves the Warriors to 40-34 on the season, keeping them within striking distance of the sixth seed in the Western Conference. With only eight games left, they’re just one game behind the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans, who are fighting to avoid the play-in game.
For Dallas, the loss drops them to 39-35, sliding them down to ninth in the standings. It’s a crushing defeat, especially with a head-to-head tiebreaker at stake. They now risk facing a tougher play-in path, possibly needing two wins just to earn a playoff berth.
Every game from here on counts big.
What’s Next
The Warriors continue their four-game road trip with a stop in Denver on Thursday, where they’ll face the defending champion Nuggets. It’s a major test with seeding implications and an opportunity for Golden State to prove they can contend with top-tier competition.
For the Mavericks, things don’t get easier. They host the Sacramento Kings on Friday in another Western Conference showdown. Dallas must now win at least five of their last eight to feel safe heading into the postseason.
Here’s what to watch:
– Can Golden State find consistency down the stretch?
– Will Dallas fix its late-game issues with Luka and Kyrie?
– Which team edges closer to the sixth seed?
Conclusion
Tuesday night’s matchup wasn’t just another regular season game—it felt like a mini playoff battle. The Warriors came through when it mattered, led by Curry’s poise and veteran savvy. The Mavericks, meanwhile, will have to bounce back quickly or risk sliding further down a very competitive Western Conference hill.
With just a few games left, buckle up. The race is only getting tighter—and the stakes higher.