The Golden State Warriors began their 4-game road trip with a huge win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday afternoon. However, in a Western Conference Finals rematch against the Dallas Mavericks, Stephen Curry and co. fell short.
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Trailing by as much as 17 points in the first quarter, Steve Kerr’s boys made quite the comeback. Despite putting up an exemplary performance in the 2nd half, it was Luka Doncic’s historic performance that denied the defending champs of a 4th straight victory.
In 39:17 minutes of game time, the Slovenian MVP put up an astonishing 41-point, 12-rebound, and 12-assist triple-double, as he went on to shoot 51.9% from the field.
Luka Dončić tonight vs GSW
41 PTS
12 AST
12 REB
4 STL
14-27 FG
4-9 3P
+ 22
W— Tonight, Luka tied Dirk Nowitzki in career 40-point games (20). #MFFL pic.twitter.com/hiuw086yyK
— MavsMuse (@MavsMuse) November 30, 2022
Also Read: Charles Barkley Reveals Why Mavericks will Never Win a Championship
“I went for the hero shot”: Stephen Curry
After a pretty slow start, Steph did end up catching fire. Finishing the contest with a little less than 38 minutes played, the 6-foot-3 guard recorded 32 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Stephen Curry was HOOPING tonight 💦@StephenCurry30: 32 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 5 3PM pic.twitter.com/39ceKilp9F
— NBA (@NBA) November 30, 2022
Late in the action-packed contest, Chef Curry had a real shot at tying the game. Here’s what unfolded.
With around 12 seconds left in the 4th period, Draymond Green set a screen for Steph just a few steps outside the three-point line. Curry, who was dribbling at full speed, managed to run past Maxi Kleber. Instead of driving towards the lane, the 2-time MVP stepped back to attempt a three-point game-winner but was called for a travel.
Here, have a look at the play.
Steph Curry was called for a travel with 10 seconds left in the game 😬pic.twitter.com/jPMgXVnAn7
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) November 30, 2022
During the postgame interview, The Baby-Faced Assassin acknowledged that the final play was “dumb” and there was no need for him to go for the “hero shot”. Admitting that he wasn’t fully aware of the score and time, the sharpshooter said:
“Dumb play by me to not take the layup. I got a little confused (about) on what the time and score was. I went for the hero shot.”
Curry: “Dumb play by me to not take the layup. I got a little confused on what the time and score was. I went for the hero shot. I didn’t think it was a travel.”
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) November 30, 2022
The Warriors need to regroup and prepare for the clash against the Bulls
Despite the loss, Steve Kerr was pretty content with the performance his team put up. It was the third straight game with 6 players in double figures, and despite trailing by 17 in the first quarter, the GSW didn’t give up.
What is done is done. The defending champions need to regroup and prepare for their matchup against the Chicago Bulls on 2nd December.
Currently sitting on 10th in the Western Conference, a win against the Bulls would be much-needed for them to rise up in the standings.