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Golden State Warriors miss crucial opportunity ahead of three-game homestand

By Peter O'Keefe

DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 29: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on from the team bench as the Warriors take on the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on November 29, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 29: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on from the team bench as the Warriors take on the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on November 29, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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While Tuesday’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks may result as simply a blip on the radar, it does appear right now as a crucial missed opportunity for the Golden State Warriors. That’s not just because it was a loss to a Western Conference rival who now hold an identical record, but perhaps more so because it dents the Warriors’ first major surge of momentum for the season.

Golden State started the season with a 3-7 record, but prior to the Mavericks game, had responded with an 8-3 stretch that included a giveaway game to the New Orleans Pelicans where they rested their starting lineup.

Tuesday’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks may have stalled the Golden State Warriors’ momentum up the highly-competitive Western Conference standings.

Going into the Mavericks game, it would have been natural for the Warriors to have one-eye on their upcoming three-game homestand. Currently a dominant 9-1 on their home floor, Golden State will go in heavy favourites against the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers.

The Golden State Warriors face the Chicago Bulls on Friday. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors face the Chicago Bulls on Friday. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

A win over Dallas, and three wins at home, would have had the Warriors at 15-10 — good enough for a top five place in the West at minimum. At the very least, a win on Tuesday would have gave Golden State a little more wiggle room in their three upcoming home games. Now, the pressure is back on slightly — they all seem like must wins and getting to 14-11 is imperative. That’s why it feels like a missed opportunity.

To play devil’s advocate — this wasn’t a crushing loss like it threatened to be when the Mavericks went up 23-6 in the opening period. Golden State played well for large periods and seem to have found an antidote to their bench issues — the addition of Draymond Green to the non-Stephen Curry minutes.

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They ultimately fell victim to a Luka Doncic masterclass, some controversial refereeing decisions, and underwhelming performances from Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson. Although it may have been a disappointing result, there’s enough optimism to suggest that the Warriors’ loss to the Mavericks may be a case of one step back to go two steps forward.

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