OAKLAND, Calif. _ The Warriors looked like the Warriors again. And then they didn't.
The Warriors escaped with a 120-116 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday after nearly squandering an 18-point lead. Warriors forward Kevin Durant sank a 3-pointer for the final score with 14.2 seconds left after Mavs center DeAndre Jordan split a pair of foul shots and Dallas forward Harrison Barnes missed a wide open 3-pointer.
That capped an efficient night for Durant, who had 29 points while shooting 9 of 18, 3 of 5 from 3-point range and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line to go along with 12 rebounds and eight assists. But it also capped a game in which the Warriors (21-11) nearly lost.
The Mavericks trimmed the Warriors' lead to 117-113 with 1:46 left after going on an 11-2 run. After Warriors coach Steve Kerr called timeout, more mistakes ensued. Stephen Curry missed a 3-pointer. Barnes made a 15-foot jumper. Draymond Green committed a turnover.
The Warriors still held on because of their strong foundation.
Warriors reserve forward Jonas Jerebko posted a career-high 23 points on 10 of 12 shooting along with six rebounds, three assists and one steal in 21 minutes. Curry had 22 points, albeit on 7 of 22 shooting and 6 of 17 from 3-point range. Green and Thompson each added 14 points. While Green shot 6 of 11 from the field and 2 of 4 from 3, Thompson only shot 6 of 15 and 0 of 5 from 3-point range. Green added 10 rebounds and five assists.
