Luka Doncic’s streak of triple-doubles ended, but the host Dallas Mavericks turned to shot-blocking big men Daniel Gafford and Derek Lively II to outlast the short-handed Golden State Warriors 109-99 Wednesday evening.
Gafford and Lively combined for 22 points, 14 rebounds and nine blocks, helping the Mavericks win for only the second time all season by scoring fewer than 112 points. They also earned their fourth straight victory overall.
Gafford made seven of Dallas’ 13 blocks, missing his career high by one point.
Jonathan Kuminga scored a game-high 27 points for the Warriors, who were missing Stephen Curry for their third straight game because of a sprained right ankle. Golden State was also without Draymond Green, who was a late scratch with lower back soreness.
Doncic, including seven straight triple-doubles including six straight with at least 35 points scored, finished with 21 points, nine assists and three rebounds on Wednesday.
Despite shooting just 40.2 percent overall, the Warriors stayed in the game for three quarters. But already up by six, the Mavericks held Golden State to just one basket over the first 3:56 of the final period, taking an 87-72 lead in the meantime.
Kyrie Irving contributed five of his team’s 23 points in the 11-2 burst.
The Warriors, who had won nine of their last 10 road games, got as close as 11 until a bucket came in the final seconds.
Irving also contributed 10 assists while matching Lively’s eight rebounds.
Lively, who had two blocks, made six of her eight shots en route to 12 points, while Gafford shot 5 of 5 for her 10 points. He also had six rebounds and two steals.
Josh Green and PJ Washington added 11 points each for Dallas, which earned its second straight victory over Golden State this season.
Andrew Wiggins scored 17 points for the Warriors, while Trayce Jackson-Davis scored 10 points to complement nine rebounds.
Brandin Podziemski finished with 11 points, six assists, five rebounds and four steals.
–Field media/Reuters
