OAKLAND – The Dallas Mavericks bore little resemblance to the team that lifted the NBA title last season as they fell to Golden State 111-87 on Saturday – their third dispiriting defeat in as many days.
The Mavericks, facing a set of three games in three nights in the jam-packed schedule of the lockout-shortened season, couldn’t come up with a single win despite facing three opponents with sub-.500 records.
On Thursday the Mavericks surrendered a double-digit lead late in the third quarter in a 96-94 loss at Phoenix.
On Friday it was Sacramento’s turn to beat up on the champs, 110-97.
Golden State, led by the 21 first-half points of David Lee, seized their moment on Saturday and led by as many as 19 before the interval.
Lee finished with a game-high 25 points, while Nate Robinson scored 21 and Monta Ellis added 20.
In the second half, Dallas turned to NBA Finals Most Valauble Player Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry, but the Mavericks couldn’t narrow the gap to less than seven points.
Terry said the tribulations were taking a toll on the Mavericks.
“Last year, we went through tough times and it brought us together,” he said. “This year we hit tough times and grow further apart. That’s the biggest difference. If it’s not cohesive, then you’re going to get a bad result.”
“You can win some games, but every game is tough, especially on the road, and if you’re not together as a unit, you’re not going to win.”