Golden State Warriors: Ranking each potential Play-In opponent

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 20: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half at FedExForum on March 20, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 20: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half at FedExForum on March 20, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Golden State Warriors opponents: Dallas Mavericks

The Golden State Warriors had a chance to test their strength and set the tone for a potential meeting with the Dallas Mavericks. This didn’t go as planned… as the Mavs rocked the Dubs by 20 or more points for most of the game.

Luka Doncic scored 39 points and is fresh off an NBA Player of the Week run. He’s averaging 27.7 points, 8.7 assists and 7.3 rebounds over his last 10 games as the Mavericks have leaped to sixth in the West.

Of course, there’s still the possibility Dallas slips back into the Play-In, currently only 1.5 games ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers. In this event, the Golden State Warriors will have to be fully prepared for a meeting with the red hot Mavs.

Fortunately, the Warriors have been on their own hot streak as well. The Dubs are playing like one of the NBA’s best teams as of late and even though they lost on Tuesday night — there’s still reason to believe the Warriors can compete if they learn from their loss.

The key to beating Dallas is restricting their supporting cast from catching fire. This is a challenge the Warriors are capable of rising to as they have all the necessary perimeter defenders to deter the Mavericks.

Players like Kelly Oubre and Andrew Wiggins will be the key in this potential matchup. They likely won’t stop Luka from being Luka — but if they can stop the rest of the team from heating up, it will be a win for Golden State.