Late Heroics by Curry
Despite Stephen Curry’s five-point burst in the final seconds, helping the Warriors tie the game with just 13 seconds remaining, they couldn’t hold off the Washington Wizards’ near buzzer-beater in the last four seconds. As a result, the Dallas Mavericks narrowly defeated the Warriors 108-106, putting an end to Golden State’s recent six-game winning streak. However, the Houston Rockets’ 104-119 loss to the Miami Heat means the Warriors, currently 10th in the Western Conference, still maintain a four-game lead over the Rockets, securing their spot in the play-in tournament.
Back-and-Forth Battle
Washington’s duo of Beal and Irving ignited the Mavericks to an early 16-point lead in the first quarter. However, the Warriors quickly responded with a 19-2 run, ending the first quarter with a slim 32-31 lead. The second quarter saw both teams exchanging leads, with the Warriors maintaining a 54-52 advantage at halftime. Curry contributed 11 points by halftime, while Beal led the Wizards with 14 points.
Second Half Surge
In the second half, Washington, led by Beal and Irving, regained the lead. Despite the Warriors’ efforts to keep the game close, they found themselves trailing by four points with just over two minutes remaining. A three-point play by Payton cut the deficit to one, and a three-pointer by Curry with 58 seconds left brought the score to 104-105 in favor of the Mavericks.
Late Drama
After both teams missed three-point attempts, Washington’s basket with 22 seconds left drew a foul on Curry, resulting in one made free throw. Curry then tied the game with a mid-range shot with just 13 seconds remaining. Following a timeout, Washington’s last-second layup by cutting inside secured the victory, as the Warriors’ final attempt by Thompson missed the mark.
Standout Performances
Washington’s Beal, playing in the absence of Doncic due to a knee injury, delivered an impressive performance with 32 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals. Irving also contributed 26 points, while Hardaway Jr. added 13 points and Cauley-Stein scored 10 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Despite missing Wiggins and Looney, Curry led the Warriors with 28 points, followed by Thompson with 16 points, and Payton and Poole with 14 points each.
Looking Ahead
With the loss, the Warriors aim to bounce back in their remaining games and secure a higher seed in the playoffs. Despite the setback, their recent performances have showcased their resilience and determination, boding well for their postseason aspirations. As the regular season winds down, every game becomes crucial for the Warriors as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the playoffs. (JILICC)