Following Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks find themselves in a space that is all too familiar. After blowing a big first half lead, the Mavs surrendered this one 126-117 at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. This is their second straight series that they have started off down 0-2.
Dallas started the game hot out of the gates. They were knocking down shots consistently, moving the ball well in transition, and doing a good job defending the Warriors’ off-ball frenzy of an offense. Luka scored 17 first quarter points, establishing his dominance early and often. The Mavs even got out to a 23-8 lead in the first quarter.
It was in the second quarter however, that Golden State started to wake up. After forcing Dallas into bad shot selections, the Warriors started attacking the glass, gaining extra offensive possessions, and knocking down their shots. It was PF Kevon Looney who gave Golden State a spark early on, snagging 12 rebounds giving the Warriors many second chance baskets and possessions. Joining in on the fun was Steph Curry who grabbed 8 boards on his own. Otto Porter Jr also recorded 7 rebounds off the bench.
In the 3rd Quarter, it was one of Steph Curry’s six three pointers that gave Golden State their first lead of the night. After going up 86-85, it was only up from there. Curry finished the night with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in a magnificent performance.
Curry wasn’t alone though in providing a much needed spark for his team. It was a Poole Party in the Bay, as Jordan Poole came alive in the second half with 23 points and 5 assists.
For Dallas, Luka Doncic finished the night with 42 points, 5 boards and 8 assists. Jalen Brunson also had a big night, recording 31-7-5. Although they got big nights from their two young stars, what’s next for the Mavericks after falling to 0-2?
First off, Dallas needs to find a way to get their other playmakers involved early on in the game. Too many times we have seen defenses key in on Doncic, and he doesn’t start dishing the ball out to his teammates until it is too late. If the Mavericks can get Brunson, Finney-Smith, and Reggie Bullock going in the first quarter, it will open up much more cleaner lanes for Luka Doncic throughout the entirety of the game.
Dallas will look to avenge their Game 2 loss, and spark a run that will likely land in a game seven.
The Warriors will look to cruise to a 3-0 series lead, and put this series out of hand.
Western Conference Finals Game 3 will take place in Dallas on Sunday, May 21st at 9PM EST
