WASHINGTON, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Luka Doncic's 30 points and 14 rebounds saved the Dallas Mavericks from being swept with a 119-109 home victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.
Falling 0-3 behind, the Mavs showed a strong desire to survive, finishing the first quarter with a 28-24 lead. The Warriors sat out their starters in the second quarter, gifting the Mavs a 19-2 run. Jalen Brunson scored 13 of his 15 points in the first half, and the Mavs led by 15 points at halftime.
There was a roof leak in the Mavericks' arena during halftime, and the start of the second half was delayed by several minutes.
Dallas continued their shooting in the third quarter, hitting eight out of their total 20 3-pointers to lead the Warriors by 29 after three quarters.
Although missing the trademark third-quarter flurries this time, the Warriors' bench rioted in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to eight points. At the crucial moment, Doncic helped the Mavs take control to seal the win.
Doncic, who has just been named on the All-NBA First Team for the 2021-22 season, praised his teammates' performance after the game.
"That's how we've got to play, when we play like this we're a dangerous team," he said.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 20 points and eight assists, while Jonathan Kuminga scored 17 points, and Jordan Poole added 14.
Leading by 3-1, the Warriors still hold three series points in the Western Conference finals. The teams will play Game 5 on Thursday. ■
