Dallas’ 17-game win streak comes to an end at Golden State

Nelson’s Warriors are the only team to beat Dallas twice this year, and dropped the Mavericks to 52-10, sending them to their first defeat since January 25 at Chicago.

On Sunday, the Mavericks looked unbeatable against the Lakers in a 108-72 final, as Dallas handed LA its first home defeat in franchise history. One night later the tables were turned against a team that Mavs have had trouble with over the last two seasons.

Golden State went to Dallas on November 6 and earned a three-point win, and Monday’s triumph was the fifth in the last six meetings against the NBA powerhouse. Last year’s victories by Golden State were under Mike Dunleavy, but Nelson, who was at the helm of the Mavericks from 1997-2005, had his team energized from the start Monday.

It was a case of Jekyll and Hyde for the Warriors, who were blown out, 106-87, Sunday night at Portland. Two-time All-Star guard Baron Davis (knee) missed that game, but returned Monday with an inspired effort of nine points and seven of Golden State’s 31 assists.

Mickael Pietrus had 20 points to lead six Golden State players in double figures, as the Warriors won for the fourth time in five contests to move within a game of the LA Clippers for the eighth spot in the Western Conference.

Jason Richardson, Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson each added 16 points for Golden State, which shot 57.1 percent from the field.

A frustrated Dirk Nowitzki was limited to 13 points and nine rebounds on 3-of-11 shooting and committed seven of Dallas’ 23 turnovers, as the Mavs gave up their most points this season. Nowitzki even picked up a technical foul while on the bench for arguing in the third quarter.

Erick Dampier and Jason Terry each had 16 points for Dallas, which shot 42.3 percent and lost for just the third time in 41 games.

Golden State scored the game’s first eight points before Dallas rallied to lead 20-19 following a pair of Greg Buckner free throws. The game was tied at 33 after the first, but the tide turned sharply in the second.

An 11-0 run moved Golden State to a 48-35 lead. Pietrus had the final five points of the run and the Warriors led 64-51 at the half.

It only got worse for Dallas in the third, Jackson’s fadeaway jumper pushed the margin to 79-58 and it was 98-69 going into the fourth. Golden State led by as many as 31 in the final period.

Game Notes

The teams will meet for a final time April 17 in Oakland....Buckner and Josh Howard each had 11 points for Dallas, while Croshere had 13 boards...Matt Barnes scored 11 for Golden State, which won handily despite being outrebounded, 50-28.