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Golden State Warriors’ concentration to be tested against undermanned Mavericks

By Peter O'Keefe

DALLAS, TEXAS - MAY 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks fights for position against Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in Game Four of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at American Airlines Center on May 24, 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, TEXAS - MAY 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks fights for position against Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in Game Four of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at American Airlines Center on May 24, 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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The Golden State Warriors have returned home after a three-game road-trip that closed with back-to-back losses. The reigning champions’ first game back at Chase Center promised to be another critical contest against the Dallas Mavericks, but while the result remains of the utmost importance, the Warriors will now enter with a distinct advantage and as heavy favourites.

Mavericks’ star and MVP candidate Luka Doncic will now miss the game after a heel injury sustained in his team’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday. The Slovenian’s value was on full display during the game — Dallas had built a 27-point lead before his departure from the floor, before New Orleans stormed back and cut the margin to three in the final minute.

Sitting 1.5 games behind in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors have a big opportunity to get one up on the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.

Doncic’s absence turns a reasonably 50-50 game into what should be a Warriors win, assuming the hosts remain close to full strength. Two-time MVP Stephen Curry is probable after a heavy fall in Denver, while Draymond Green is questionable having been a late scratching from that matchup with calf tightness. Klay Thompson is no certainty to return after resting on the second night of the back-to-back, with he and rookie Patrick Baldwin Jr. also questionable through a non-covid illness.

Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson guards Luka Doncic during last year’s Western Conference Finals. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson guards Luka Doncic during last year’s Western Conference Finals. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

Making matters worse for Dallas, their second-leading scorer, Christian Wood, is also a confirmed out with a thumb fracture. His absence only further depletes the Mavericks’ big man depth given Maxi Kleber continues his recovery from a hamstring strain.

However, Golden State have often struggled to turn comfortable ‘on paper’ wins into reality this season. They’ve often lost concentration and focus against those that would be deemed as lesser opposition, contributing heavily to their disappointing 26-26 record so far this season.

The Warriors only have to go back to a matchup less than a month ago against the Phoenix Suns at Chase Center. The visitors were down four starters — Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Cameron Johnson and Deandre Ayton — yet outplayed the much more fancied home side to record a shocking 125-113 win.

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With Doncic and Wood out, Golden State are in a no-win situation of sorts on Saturday. Win and we don’t really know any more about where they stand in the West, lose and the fanbase may rightfully meltdown to season-worst levels.

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