Dallas — The Warriors' six-game winning streak ended Friday night when P.J. Washington scored a tiebreaking basket with 4.5 seconds left in his greatest game in Dallas. Luka Doncic watched due to a painful knee.
Washington scored 32 points, his biggest since joining the Mavericks from Charlotte before the trade deadline, and Irving had 26. “He was spectacular,” Irving added. His opening game performance told you it would be a spectacular night. We need that offensive firepower when certain people aren't in the lineup.
Dallas maintained fifth position in the Western Conference and is two games ahead of seventh for one of the six guaranteed postseason spots. Golden State missed a postseason spot despite 28 points from Stephen Curry, including a tie jumper with 13 seconds left.
Houston's 119-104 loss to Miami offered the Warriors a chance to finish 10th in the West. The Warriors need a win or Houston defeat to finish the West in the play-in round after a five-game road winning streak stopped.
After assistant coach Dejan Milojevic died in January, Golden State had two games postponed, and both teams were ending a back-to-back in a game shifted three days back. The Warriors defeated the Mavs 104-100 in California on Tuesday to end their seven-game winning streak.
Warriors' Andrew Wiggins sat out with ankle soreness, and Jonathan Kuminga was a late scratch with knee pain. Golden State equalized after trailing 10 midway through the fourth quarter. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said, “The level of competition and unity, just the way they fought, short-handed out on a back-to-back, older group of guys, just amazing effort Love these guys. They're amazing. Just not enough tonight.”
Today, Doncic was iffy to doubtful before being ruled out with right knee pain. Washington filled the void by making 5 of 8 (3-pointers) and 12 of 18 total, surpassing his Dallas high of 23. He's shooting over 40% from deep in seven games.
Irving played more than 42 minutes for the second time this season and had eight rebounds and seven assists without Doncic’s triple-double potential. Dallas won its 13th game in 15 and improved to 4-3 without the eight-time All-Star backcourt mate. Dallas is 4-6 sans Doncic.
When Kai’s on the floor, it gives us a chance to win,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. One can see his trust in his comrades. He's trusted by his teammates. It’s lovely.” The Mavericks led by 16 points in the first quarter but lost their fourth-quarter lead.
A long 3 by Curry brought Golden State within a point. Washington missed one of two free throws after his blocking foul was reviewed because his heel was above the line in the restricted area, allowing Curry's shot to tie the game at 106.
Irving was double-teamed after catching the ball on the in-bounds play. He gave the ball to Hardaway, who passed to Washington for the lead. After Curry passed to Klay Thompson, who had 16 points, he missed a winning 3-pointer at the buzzer.
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