MyDallasMavs: Mavs Make a Comeback and Beat the Warriors 112-106

The Mavs came to California after losing two straight games; they have also lost four of their last six games. After their last couple of losses, Carlisle was confident that the Mavs would come out refreshed looking to beat the Warriors a second time this season. He was right, as the Mavs made a huge comeback to beat Golden State, 112-106.

Peja sat out his fifth straight game due to a stiff neck while Haywood also sat out his second straight game with lower back stiffness.

Carlisle started Corey Brewer at small forward sending Marion-who started four straight games in place of Peja-to the bench.

Brewer began the game guarding Monta Ellis on the defensive end-which we all knew wouldn't be easy. Golden State opened the game with a 10-0 run. They pushed the lead to as much as 18 in the first quarter, but soon Jason Terry put the Mavs on an 11-2 run, cutting the deficit and putting the Mavs down by just 9 points, 34-25 at the end of the first quarter. The Warriors shooting in the first quarter was outstanding; they went 15 of 19 from the floor, while the Mavs went just 10 for 24.

Once again, Dirk and Marion put in a lot of effort to help the Mavs come back, but it just wasn't enough as they were down double-digits early in the second quarter. After being down by 18 yet again, Terry and Roddy came out playing their best, bringing the Mavs within 6 at halftime, 59-53.

At the half, the Warriors outshot the Mavs 61% to 45%. Lee and Ellis scored a combined 31 points at the half, but the Mavs stayed within 9 after each quarter thanks to Dirk, Marion, and Terry who all scored in double-figures.

In the second half, Carlisle switched to a three-guard lineup, starting Terry in place of Brewer and Roddy and Kidd shared the backcourt.

Towards the end of the third quarter, after a shot from Dirk, the Mavs tied it at 69. After Dirk was fouled and went 2 for 2 at the line, the Mavs took the lead for the first time, 73-72. The quarter ended with both teams tied at 81.

The Mavs beginning quarter slumps did not stop here. The Warriors started the fourth quarter on a 7-2 run and back to back 3 pointers put the Warriors up by 7 points. Terry and Roddy continued to fight and Kidd hit a three to tie the game at 96 with just under 6 minutes remaining. Roddy eventually put the Mavs up with the lead and Dirk went on a personal 6-0 run, helping the Mavs finally pull away. After playing some much needed defense, the Mavs cruised to an 8 point lead with 17.1 seconds left. The Mavericks held onto the lead and won this roller-coaster game, 112-106.

Although down by large margins multiple times in this game, what I like about the Mavs is that they didn't give up. They continued to play hard and fight it out and although they started the game with a shaken up offense, 6 Dallas players finished in double-figures.

Dirk finished with a game-high 34 points, going 10 for 22 from the field after starting the game 1 for 6. Roddy had a season-high 18 points, 4 assists and 4 steals. Chandler added 13 points and 8 rebounds, while Kidd ended the game with 11 assists. The Mavs' bench outscored Golden State's, 43-27, with Terry's 19 points, Marion's 14, and Bareas 10.

For the Warriors, Ellis led the team with 26 points and Lee was right behind him with 22. Law had 15 points, Wright had 14, and Curry had 10.

After being outshot 61% to 45%, the Mavs' ended the game outshooting the Warriors 51.9% to 51.2%. The Mavs also went 8 for 19 from 3-point range as the Warriors were just 9 of 24. The Mavs' also out-rebounded Golden State 41-31 which definitely gave them an edge.

Next, the Mavs travel back to Dallas to play the San Antonio Spurs one last time on Friday night. The Spurs lead the series 2-1, both wins coming when Dirk was out with a sprained right knee. This is a good opportunity for the Mavs' to play their hardest and prove that they really deserve to be titled "the best team in texas", as well as earn the second seed over the Lakers as they continue to battle for it.