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Last night, the Dallas Mavericks extended its winning streak to four games, blowing out the Golden State Warriors 114-91. With the victory, Dallas (19-13) handed Golden State (29-2) just its second loss of the season.
Flashback to December 13, 2014, armed with one of the best offenses in the NBA, the then 17-7 Dallas Mavericks played host to the then 19-2 Golden State Warriors at the AAC. It was a barometer game for the Mavs. Through the first quarter of the season, the Mavs’ offense led the NBA in scoring and they were on pace to become one of the most efficient teams in league history.
With a solid starting lineup and bench that had quality players down to the 13th man, Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks felt that they had something good, but they just weren’t sure how good. Led behind leading scorer Monta Ellis, the Mavs appeared ready to compete for a championship and a win against the Warriors was going to prove that.
Instead, the game was very different story. The Warriors came strolling into town, having won their previous 14 consecutive games en route to an NBA-best 19-2 record and completely dismantled the Mavs. Up by as much as 28 points, the Mavs were mentally, physically and spiritually outmatched.
The result? Just days later, despite the team’s 19-8 record, the Mavs front office pulled the plugged, deciding the team was good, but not good. They then dealt forward Brandan Wright, forward Jae Crowder, point guard Jameer Nelson, and draft picks to the Boston Celtics for forward Dwight Powell and (cough, cough) guard Rajon Rondo.
Yep, Rajon Rondo. I think we all remember how that worked out.
Michael Ainsworth/Dallas Morning News
Last night, the promising Mavericks (19-13) played host once again to the best team in the NBA in the Warriors (29-2), in what looked to be a barometer game for Dallas. Sure, the Mavs don’t have the same potent offense that they had to start the season last year and Steph Curry (leg) didn’t play, but Dallas continues to surprise everyone around the league.
The Mavs were up by as much as 30 at one point to the defending NBA Champions. They held Golden State to just 41 percent shooting and outrebounded them by 15. Mavs guard JJ Barea went ham once again, finishing the game with 23 points while dishing out 6 dimes while starting in place of Deron Williams (hamstring). Devin Harris hit a buzzer beater to end the third quarter, albeit, it was ruled to be too late. Heck, Dirk Nowitzki dunked a basketball during live play for crying out loud!
Throw it down big man! ? #DALvsGSW https://t.co/neeRNHFdCx
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 31, 2015
After a huge blowout win, the Mavs are beginning to show they are true contenders. While there is still a ton of season left, the positives that can be taken away from this game should be recognized.
So, what will this win result in for the Mavs? It means that the Mavs won’t be trading for Rajon Rondo, or anyone like him for that matter. And as 2015 comes to a close, nothing can be better than that.
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