Mavs whip Curry-less Warriors
DALLAS—The Golden State Warriors fizzled without red hot Stephen Curry on Wednesday, falling 114-91 to the Mavericks in Dallas in just its second defeat of the NBA season.
The Mavericks made the most of Curry’s absence with a lower left leg injury, racing to an early 17-point lead that they stretched to as many as 30 in the third quarter.
“Our guys did a very good job of staying very focused even though Curry didn’t play,” Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. “We knew there was a chance he wouldn’t and if he didn’t, we didn’t want to have any kind of emotional letdown. The rest of their team is a great team.”
The Mavericks led 60-42 at halftime and with forward Harrison Barnes, backup guard Leandro Barbosa and reserve center Festus Ezeli also all sidelined by injury, Warriors interim coach Luke Walton had few options.
Golden State guard Klay Thompson had one of his worst nights of the season, connecting on just four of 15 shots from the floor and one of two from the free throw line for 10 points, his lowest contribution since Nov. 11.
Thirty-two of the Mavericks’ 60 firsthalf points came in the paint, where they held a 22-point advantage at the interval.
Dallas built the lead to 83-53 with 5:05 left in the third as it thwarted a Warriors team that has averaged 114 points per game.
Dallas guard J.J. Barea, making his fourth straight start in place of injured Deron Williams, scored a game-high 23 points including five of seven from threepoint range.
Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki had 18 points and eight rebounds and center ZaZa Pachulia posted his 17th double-double of the season with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
The Warriors, who will try to bounce back against the Rockets in Houston on Thursday, fell to 29-2—still a record-setting season start that Carlisle called “completely remarkable.”
Boston bids Bryant adieu
In another significant stop on the Kobe Bryant farewell tour, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar produced 15 points and 11 rebounds to help the Lakers to a 112-104 victory over the Celtics in Boston.
Cheered in pre-game introductions —then booed when he touched the ball—the 37-year-old veteran came away with more emotional memories from his last appearance at the Celtics’ TD Garden before he retires at the end of the season. “Being able to say thanks to the fans was a beautiful moment,” said Bryant, who patted his chest in recognition of the pre-game ovation. He was even more touched, by the jeers that recognized the long Celtics-Lakers enmity. “As soon as I touched the ball and they booed, I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m home,’” said Bryant.
Bryant was treated to another ovation as the game ended, chants of “Ko-be! echoing around the arena before he exchanged embraces with several Celtics players.
Bulls, Spurs, Sixers prevail
In Chicago, Bulls guard Jimmy Butler tipped in an alley-oop pass with 1.2 seconds left in overtime to lift the hosts to a 102-100 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Butler scored 23 of his 28 points in the second half and overtime for Chicago, who pulled off the win despite the absence of injured star Derrick Rose. In San Antonio, the Spurs routed the Phoenix Suns 112-79 to remain unbeaten at home. The lowly Philadelphia 76ers nabbed its third win of the season, a 110-105 victory over the Kings in Sacramento.
Knicks forward shot
Meanwhile, New York reserve forward Cleanthony Early was shot in the leg in an apparent robbery after leaving a strip club overnight, reports said Wednesday. Officials said Early was “doing OK.” OTHER RESULTS: Clippers 122, Hornets 117; Magic 100, Nets 93; Raptors 94, Wizards 91; Timberwolves 94, Jazz 80; Trail Blazers 110, Nuggets 103