Warriors Survive Gut Check, Beat Mavericks in OT

Nov 19, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) embraces shooting guard Stephen Curry (30) after their win against the Dallas Mavericks. The Warriors defeated the Mavericks 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

Another gut check? Well a win is a win, and the Warriors will take it any day. On this night, the Warriors managed to keep their composure, and win the game in OT, 105-101. Stephen Curry broke out of his shooting slump tonight with 31 points and 9 assists.

Early in the game, Festus Ezeli and Harrison Barnes rebounded the ball very well. Klay Thompson, however, wasn’t playing too well, missing his first  seven shots of the game. I like what he did, however. When you have a terrible night, either hang your head in shame, or find other ways to contribute. Klay Thompson decided he needed to contribute. In the first half, he held OJ Mayo to only four points. With seven minutes left in the first quarter, the Warriors lead 11-7.

The defense of the rookies was superb as well, as Harrison Barnes stopped two 2-on-1 fastbreaks. This was a moral victory for him. His defense has been criticized and he played well tonight. Barnes finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds, another double-double. He was joined by David Lee, who had 17 points and 19 rebounds. With 1:30 left in the first quarter, the Mavericks trailed 18-17, but were beating the Warriors in perimeter shooting. The Warriors led 23-20 at the end of the first.

In the second quarter, the game was back and forth and mainly the same score. Mark Jackson decided to bring a strong bench unit out, who played aggressive basketball. Despite horrible perimeter shooting, they were able to push the lead to 43-38 for a half time lead.

The dreaded third quarter wasn’t so bad, but they did get outscored. The game was tied 54-54 midway through the third, until Harrison Barnes drove for an incredible reverse layup. At the end of this quarter, the Warriors still had a slim lead of 67-65.

In the fourth quarter, the Mavericks saw most of their three point shots going in, and Troy Murphy, the former Warrior, who hadn’t had a great year, made four three pointers for 12 points. Ezeli’s career best numbers of 9 points and 8 rebounds were keeping the Warriors in it. His defense was phenomenal.

Unfortunately for the Warriors, the Mavericks were able to rally and tie the game, leading to a 90-90 tie at the end of regulation. The game was headed for OT. After the Dubs scored seven straight points to start OT, Mayo scored nine straight. The game was tied, but in the end, the Warriors got defensive stops and free throws from Stephen Curry and Draymond Green to ice the game.

The Warriors now improve to 6-5. On Wednesday, they’ll need a good night’s rest, as they are facing the Brooklyn Nets at home. The Nets are on a five game winning streak.