The Western Conference finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors were always a tough ask for the Mavericks. After besting the Phoenix Suns in 7 games, the Warriors are a completely different and sterner test. The Mavericks’ best shot was having the Luka Doncic on their team as the difference-maker.
And it did not go to plan. In Game 1 of the finals, the Warriors stifled Luka Doncic and held him to a playoff career-low 20 points. Furthermore, the Mavericks failed to convert many of their shots shooting 36% from the field. Likewise, the 3-pointers that they live and die by were limited to only 11 from 48 attempts, 22.9% shooting.
All this combined led to the Mavericks conceding Game 1 to the Warriors by a huge margin. But in Game 2, the Mavericks conceded even worse. They conceded a comfortable 14-point halftime lead. The Warriors outscored them 68-45 in the second half led by Kevon Looney’s 21 points and 12 rebounds, the difference-maker in the paint.
All this despite Luka Doncic’s incredible turnaround from Game 1.
Luka Doncic stormed through the Warriors
Doncic returned to the Chase Center with a vengeance. The 3-time All-Star scored 42 points on 52.2% shooting and made 5 out of 10 3-pointers. Moreover, he assisted 8 times and collected 5 rebounds to round out a great game for him.
Skip Bayless, however, had harsh words for him.
Luka had a RARE LeBronesque hot shooting night. Luka is a career & playoffs 34% from three and only 74% from FT line. Mavs outshot GSt 21-14 from three – and lost by 9. Dallas is in big trouble. History warns Luka will cool WAY off.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 21, 2022
As always, bring up LeBron James, Bayless called Luka’s performance a rarity in terms of shooting efficiency. He then mentioned Luka’s playoff shooting numbers and said he expected Luka to fare worse in the coming games.
And if that is the case, we don’t need Skip Bayless to tell us the Dallas Mavericks will be in deep trouble. The Mavericks now look to defend home court after going down 0-2 to the Warriors team. And it won’t be as easy as the Suns series for sure, this is a proven championship team they are up against.
