It’s been 12 years since the Warriors upset the 2007 Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs, but in 2019, there looked to be no love lost. The Warriors four-game win streak snapped in a blowout loss against the Mavericks, 141-121. However, the storyline was how chippy things got throughout the game between Dallas and Golden State.
It’s safe to say the holiday spirit for the Warriors and Mavericks has worn off.
The tension between the teams grew when Kristaps Porzingis and Draymond Green had a heated exchange in the second quarter. Green swiped the ball from Porzingis and stared down the 7-foot Latvian.
Porzingis and Green were caught exchanging words that didn’t look all too friendly, which led to the two getting separated by teammates.
A surprise Warrior injected himself into the trash talk, injured All-Star Klay Thompson, got off the bench, and appeared frustrated with Green and Porzingis’ face-to-face battle.
After the game, Green was proud of the way Thompson came to his defense versus Porzingis.
“I don’t think I enjoy many things more in life than when Klay gets into it with somebody,” Green told reporters after the Warriors’ loss. “That’s always a treat—so, that was fun to see.”
Saying there are not many things Green enjoys more in life than seeing Thompson get fired up against an opposing player is high praise from the former Defensive Player of the Year.
Both injured All-Star guards, Thompson and Stephen Curry, have been around the Warriors’ on a more consistent basis as both are progressing through injuries.
According to several Warriors players, Curry and Thompson have brought a new level of energy to the team’s sideline, and it’s shown.
Although the Dubs lost against Dallas, they ended their five-game homestand with a 4-1 record with Curry and Thompson in the building— a breath of fresh air amid a season filled with struggles.
