Photo Courtesy: Erik Drost
Records
Dallas Mavericks (52-30, 23-18 Away)
Golden State Warriors (53-29, 31-10 Home)
If you want to see some high scoring, three-point shooting and no defense games, then this is the series to watch! Both teams are shooting better than 41% as a team behind the arc in this year’s playoffs, but averages 52 points in the paint to opposition. Dallas and Golden State rely on their ability to shoot the three but lack interior toughness to keep teams from scoring in the paint. Golden State had their hands full with the Memphis Grizzlies while Dallas went seven games against the supposed best team in the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns. Let’s take a look at the first three games of the Western Conference Finals.
5/18 – 8:00 p.m. – Game 1 – Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors – TV: TNT
Dallas had their hands full in their last series against the Suns. Dallas found a way to get the job done against the Suns in 7. This series will be something to see. The x-factor for the Mavericks will be Luka Doncic. He has to play some type of defense to help the team. Hoisting threes against a three-point shooting team such as Golden State will get you into big trouble. I’m taking the Warriors by 12! Final Score: Mavericks 89 – Warriors 101
5/20 – 8:00 p.m. – Game 2 – Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors – TV: TNT
This is the rubber game for the series. Dallas will get a win in Game 2. Mavericks’ guards Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaylen Brunson will need to have the ball in their hands. Luka will get his touches, but Brunson has better control of the team when he has the ball in his hands, especially during the 3rd and 4th quarters. He will be the x-factor for the Mavericks in this game. I’m taking Dallas by 6. Final Score: Mavericks 118 – Warriors 112
5/22 – 8:00 p.m. – Game 3 – Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks – TV: TNT
Golden State is a pretty good team on the road. I’ve been keeping the “Splash Brothers” out of my article for a reason. You basically have to pick your poison with Curry and Thompson. Dallas has to play tough defense on the wings because of the sharp shooting guards of Golden State. I’m taking Dallas to win this one. Defense will be the key for the Mavericks. Final Score: Warriors 109 – Mavericks 116
