The Golden State Warriors have won 14 straight games. They have not lost in a month and it appears right now there is not a team that can slow them down. They have an efficient mix of offense and defense which is allowing them to post the best stretch of games in franchise history. However, that balance will be put to the test as they face the Dallas Mavericks who have the highest-scoring offense in the league.
The Warriors are simply on fire. During their 14-game win streak, they are beating teams by an average of 13.3 points. They were tested on Wednesday against the Houston Rockets, trailing by as many as 11 at one point, but they outscored Houston 22-7 in the fourth quarter to grab the win. Not only do they have a strong shot, but they also lead the league defensively by just giving up 94.5 points per 100 possessions. In his first year with the team, coach Steve Kerr is the first rookie coach to win 19 of his last 21 games.
The Warriors have not let their opponents shoot better than 44.0 percent during the win streak. That will be test as the Dallas Mavericks are shooting 48.2 percent from the field while averaging 110.5 points per game. They have scored at least 105 points in their last nine games which will challenge Golden State.
The Mavericks are fresh off a win over New Orleans where Monta Ellis has 26 points while half of those came in the fourth quarter. Ellis is thriving this season, being clutch late in games as he averages 9.8 points in the fourth quarter alone. He is very familiar with Golden State, leaving their last season after averaging 16.8 points on 37.5 percent shooting.
Dallas hopes to take advantage of home court where they appear to play better. Ellis is averaging 51.3 percent at home while shooting just 43.0 percent from the road. Dirk Nowitzki is putting up 20.8 points at home compared to just 16.4 points on the road on 38.3 percent shooting.
