The Mavericks were able to avoid elimination thanks to a near triple double performance from Luka Doncic. He had 30 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists but also had plenty of help from his supporting cast. Dorian Finney-Smith dropped 23 points and Reggie Bullock scored 18 points while having a game high 6 3-pointers. As a team, the Mavericks shot an excellent 46.5% from 3-point range by hitting 20-43 attempts.
As for the Warriors, they did not play nearly as well offensively as they shot just 35.7% from 3 point range. Steph Curry was the leading scorer with 20 points but the game got out of hand in the second half with the Warriors down by as much 29. Before a late surge in the 4th led by Jonathan Kuminga, the Mavericks seemed to have the game decided. From there, Doncic was able to close the game out late giving the Mavericks a 119-109 win to send the series back to San Francisco. With the series now at 3-1, the Warriors now have a chance to close the series out in 5 but Luka and the Mavericks could have something to say about that.
For the Mavericks to keep the series going they will need Doncic to continue his superstar level of play, but will need someone to step up and hit perimeter shots like in Game 4. The strategy for the Mavericks has been to continue to live or die by the 3 point shot. Although I expect a bit of a drop off from how they shot the ball at home in Game 4, they will still need to shoot the ball effectively from behind the arc to have a chance to win. They will also need Jalen Brunson to continue to play well as he has averaged 20 points per game in this series. In the playoffs, he has been the most consistent player for the Mavericks not named Doncic and has been a major difference maker especially in road games.
Although the Mavericks were able to extend the series with an impressive game 4 win, I am still sticking with my initial prediction of the Warriors winning the series in 5 games and getting back to the NBA Finals. With the Warriors back in the Chase Center, I expect them to come out strong offensively as they look to earn a finals berth on their home floor. I would look for Steph Curry to lead the way and bounce back from his below average performance in Game 4. As a team, I expect the Warriors to play much better defensively by allowing fewer easy wide open 3 point shot opportunities. The Warriors are arguably the best team left in the playoffs and wrapping up the series in 5 could be advantageous for them when they inevitably make it back to the NBA finals.
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