Introduction
The Golden State Warriors’ 126-102 rout of the Dallas Mavericks on February 23, 2025, at Chase Center was a testament to their resurgence in the 2024-25 NBA season. With a 29-27 record, the Warriors sit ninth in the Western Conference, while the Mavericks (31-26) hold the eighth spot, both fighting for direct playoff berths. This game, part of a high-profile Sunday slate, saw Golden State capitalize on Dallas’ injury woes and their own offensive firepower, led by Stephen Curry and a revitalized roster featuring Jimmy Butler. This article provides a detailed breakdown of Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats, key moments, and strategic insights, drawing on the latest data for an original analysis of this one-sided affair.
- Date: February 23, 2025.
- Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, California
- League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
- Teams: Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks
Key Points
- The Golden State Warriors dominated the Dallas Mavericks 126-102 on February 23, 2025, at Chase Center, San Francisco, in a regular-season matchup.
- Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 30 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds, while Kyrie Irving and P.J. Washington each scored 17 points for the Mavericks in a losing effort.
- The Warriors’ balanced attack, with six players in double figures, and 50.6% field goal shooting overwhelmed Dallas’ depleted roster, missing key players like Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford.
- Golden State’s 15.3 three-pointers per game (fourth in the NBA) shone through, hitting 15/34 (44.1%), while Dallas struggled with 41.1% from the field and 10 turnovers.
Game Context and Significance
The Warriors entered the game on a hot streak, winning 4 of their last 5 games, including a 132-108 rout of the Sacramento Kings, with Buddy Hield scoring 22 points. Their acquisition of Jimmy Butler has bolstered both ends, conceding just 107.8 points per game (eighth in the NBA) while scoring 120.2 points per game. Dallas, meanwhile, was riding a three-game win streak, including a 111-103 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans behind Irving’s 35 points, but injuries to Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Caleb Martin, and Dwight Powell left them undersized. The Mavericks’ 41.1% three-point shooting over their last six games (league-best) couldn’t overcome Golden State’s depth and defensive intensity in this matchup, a critical test for playoff positioning.
Detailed Recap
Golden State set the tone early, with Butler and Curry combining for 16 first-quarter points to build a 34-24 lead. By halftime, the Warriors led 61-44, fueled by Podziemski’s 10 points and 7 rebounds and a 9-0 run capped by Hield’s three-pointer. Dallas struggled offensively, shooting 38.6% in the first half, with Irving and Washington combining for 4/13 from the field. The third quarter saw Golden State extend their lead to 23 points (94-71), as Curry’s 12 points and 3 assists overwhelmed Dallas’ perimeter defense. The fourth quarter was a formality, with the Warriors’ bench, including Yury Collins’ 4 points, maintaining the blowout, ending 126-102. Dallas’ 41 rebounds were outshined by Golden State’s 46, and their 10 turnovers led to 18 Warriors points, per NBA.com.
Player Performances and Statistics
Below are the detailed statistics for key players, with in-depth analysis of their contributions:
Golden State Warriors Player Stats
- Stephen Curry (PG): 30 points (12/20 FG, 3/8 3P, 3/3 FT), 7 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +22 plus-minus, 34 minutes
- Curry was the game’s catalyst, efficiently scoring 30 points, including 12 in the third quarter to bury Dallas. His 60% field goal percentage and 7 assists, including a lob to Trayce Jackson-Davis, dismantled Dallas’ defense. His +22 plus-minus reflected his dominance, though 3/8 from three was below his 31 PPG February average. Curry’s ability to exploit Dallas’ shorthanded frontcourt with floaters and step-backs was key, per ESPN Stats & Info.
- Jimmy Butler (SF): 18 points (5/9 FG, 0/1 3P, 8/8 FT), 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +18 plus-minus, 32 minutes
- Butler’s rim pressure and 8/8 free-throw shooting added a new dimension, scoring 10 first-quarter points to set the tone. His 5 assists, including a kickout to Hield for a three, showcased his playmaking. His 55.6% shooting and defensive presence (1 steal) limited Dallas’ transition game, though his 0/1 from three showed limited perimeter impact.
- Brandin Podziemski (SG): 17 points (7/12 FG, 2/4 3P, 1/2 FT), 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 0 turnovers, +20 plus-minus, 30 minutes
- Podziemski’s double-double was a breakout performance, grabbing 7 offensive rebounds for 6 second-chance points. His 2/4 three-point shooting stretched Dallas’ defense, and his hustle plays, including a block on Washington, sparked a 9-0 run. His 58.3% shooting and zero turnovers highlighted his efficiency.
- Buddy Hield (SG): 14 points (5/10 FG, 4/7 3P, 0/0 FT), 2 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover, +15 plus-minus, 24 minutes
- Hield’s 4/7 three-point shooting off the bench was a spark, including a corner three to cap a 9-0 second-quarter run. His +15 plus-minus and block on Thompson’s jumper showed defensive growth, though his 50% shooting dipped from his 22-point Kings game.
- Trayce Jackson-Davis (C): 12 points (5/7 FG, 2/2 FT), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 0 turnovers, +12 plus-minus, 26 minutes
- Jackson-Davis dominated the paint, shooting 71.4% and grabbing 3 offensive rebounds against Dallas’ depleted frontcourt. His alley-oop dunk off Curry’s pass and block on Washington’s layup fueled Golden State’s 44 paint points, per NBA.com.
- Draymond Green (PF): 10 points (4/8 FG, 1/3 3P, 1/2 FT), 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, +14 plus-minus, 28 minutes
- Green’s playmaking (6 assists) and versatility, including a three-pointer, anchored Golden State’s flow. His 50% shooting and steal on Irving sparked a fast-break, though 2 turnovers were a minor blemish. His +14 plus-minus reflected his two-way impact.
Dallas Mavericks Player Stats
- Kyrie Irving (PG): 17 points (7/16 FG, 1/6 3P, 2/2 FT), 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, -20 plus-minus, 36 minutes
- Irving led Dallas with 17 points, but his 43.8% shooting and 1/6 from three were inefficient against Curry’s defense. His 7 assists, including a lob to Washington, kept Dallas afloat early, but 3 turnovers led to 6 Warriors points. His -20 plus-minus underscored Dallas’ struggles when he was on the floor.
- P.J. Washington (PF): 17 points (7/15 FG, 2/5 3P, 1/2 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 turnovers, -18 plus-minus, 34 minutes
- Washington’s 17 points included two three-pointers, but his 46.7% shooting couldn’t counter Golden State’s frontcourt. His 6 rebounds were solid, but blocks by Podziemski and Looney limited his paint impact. His -18 plus-minus reflected Dallas’ defensive woes.
- Klay Thompson (SG): 11 points (4/10 FG, 3/7 3P, 0/0 FT), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 turnovers, -16 plus-minus, 30 minutes
- Thompson, facing his former team, hit 3/7 threes but shot 40% overall. His corner three in the second quarter cut the deficit to 10, but Hield’s defense limited his drives. His -16 plus-minus showed his struggles to impact the game defensively.
- Kessler Edwards (SF): 8 points (3/7 FG, 1/3 3P, 1/2 FT), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, -14 plus-minus, 28 minutes
- Edwards led Dallas with 8 rebounds, but his 42.9% shooting and 1/3 from three were inefficient. His dunk off Exum’s pass was a highlight, but he couldn’t contain Butler or Podziemski, reflected in his -14 plus-minus.
- Dante Exum (PG): 6 points (2/5 FG, 1/2 3P, 1/2 FT), 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, -12 plus-minus, 24 minutes
- Exum’s 4 assists included a setup for Washington’s dunk, but his 40% shooting and 2 turnovers hurt Dallas. His steal sparked a fast-break, but his -12 plus-minus showed limited impact against Golden State’s backcourt.
- Brandon Williams (Bench, PG): 8 points (3/8 FG, 0/2 3P, 2/2 FT), 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 turnover, -10 plus-minus, 16 minutes
- Williams’ 8 points off the bench included a driving layup, but his 37.5% shooting and 0/2 from three were inefficient. His -10 plus-minus reflected Dallas’ bench struggles, outscored 32-24 by Golden State’s reserves.
- Naji Marshall (Bench, SF): 6 points (2/6 FG, 0/1 3P, 2/2 FT), 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 0 turnovers, -8 plus-minus, 14 minutes
- Marshall’s 6 points included a floater off Washington’s pass, but his 33.3% shooting limited his impact. His -8 plus-minus and 0/1 from three underscored Dallas’ bench woes against Golden State’s depth.
Team Statistics and Comparison
The following table summarizes the team statistics, highlighting Golden State’s dominance:
Statistic | Warriors | Mavericks |
---|---|---|
Points | 126 | 102 |
Field Goal % | 50.6% (47/93) | 41.1% (37/90) |
Three-Point % | 44.1% (15/34) | 35.7% (10/28) |
Free Throw % | 85.7% (18/21) | 73.3% (11/15) |
Rebounds | 46 (14 offensive) | 41 (10 offensive) |
Assists | 28 | 22 |
Turnovers | 6 | 10 |
Points Off Turnovers | 18 | 8 |
Fast Break Points | 20 | 12 |
Bench Points | 32 | 24 |
Golden State’s 50.6% field goal shooting and 15/34 three-point shooting overwhelmed Dallas’ 41.1% and 10/28 from deep. The Warriors’ 46 rebounds, including 14 offensive, led to 16 second-chance points, compared to Dallas’ 10. Golden State’s 18 points off turnovers and 20 fast-break points capitalized on Dallas’ 10 miscues, while their 28 assists reflected superior ball movement.
Strategic Insights and Analysis
Golden State, under Steve Kerr, executed a high-octane offense, leveraging their fourth-ranked 15.3 three-pointers per game to hit 15/34 (44.1%). Curry’s pick-and-rolls with Jackson-Davis and Butler’s rim attacks exploited Dallas’ lack of rim protection, missing Davis and Gafford. The Warriors’ third-ranked 46.0 rebounds per game controlled the glass, with Podziemski’s 7 offensive boards leading to 6 second-chance points. Their defense, conceding just 107.8 points per game since Butler’s arrival, forced 10 turnovers, including 3 from Irving, for 18 points.
Dallas, coached by Jason Kidd, relied on their league-best 41.1% three-point shooting over the last six games, but managed only 35.7% (10/28) against Golden State’s closeouts, led by Butler and Green. The Mavericks’ shorthanded roster, missing five key players, struggled to match Golden State’s 44 paint points, shooting just 12/28 in the paint. Their 10 turnovers, including 2 by Exum, led to 18 Warriors points, and their 17th-ranked defense (113.5 points allowed per game) couldn’t contain Golden State’s 120.2-point average over five games.
Key Moments and Turning Points
- First-Quarter Surge (Q1): Butler’s 10 points and Curry’s 6 fueled a 9-2 run, giving Golden State a 34-24 lead, as Dallas shot 7/20 (35%).
- Hield’s Spark (Q2): Hield’s corner three capped a 9-0 run, extending the lead to 61-44 at halftime, with Podziemski’s 7 rebounds limiting Dallas to 2 offensive boards.
- Curry’s Third-Quarter Explosion (Q3): Curry’s 12 points, including 2 threes, pushed the lead to 94-71, as Dallas shot 4/12 from three (33.3%).
- Podziemski’s Hustle (Q3): Podziemski’s block on Washington’s layup and offensive rebound for a putback sparked a 12-4 run, ballooning the lead to 20.
- Bench Closeout (Q4): Collins’ 4 points and Hield’s three in garbage time maintained the 126-102 final, as Dallas’ bench shot 5/14 (35.7%).
Historical Context
The Mavericks and Warriors have played 180 regular-season games, with Dallas leading 95-85. Their February 12, 2025, matchup saw Dallas win 111-107 behind Irving’s 42 points, but Golden State flipped the script in this blowout. The Warriors’ 2022 Western Conference Finals win over Dallas (4-1) looms large, but Dallas’ 3-2 edge in the last five meetings shows their competitiveness. Golden State’s 5-1 record since acquiring Butler and their 12-3 start to the season signal a return to contender status, while Dallas’ injuries have hampered their post-Luka Doncic era.
Playoff Implications
This game wasn’t a playoff matchup, but it had significant implications for the Western Conference standings. Golden State’s win improved their record to 29-27, keeping them in the hunt for a top-six seed, while Dallas’ 31-26 record left them vulnerable in the eighth spot. The Warriors’ second-round playoff matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where they lead 2-1 despite Curry’s Game 1 injury, shows their resilience, but this regular-season rout underscores their depth. Dallas, eliminated in the Play-In Tournament by Memphis (120-106), faces an uphill battle to avoid the play-in again, especially with injuries to Davis and others.
Looking Ahead
Golden State’s next challenge is Game 4 against the Timberwolves on May 12, 2025, where Curry’s health and Butler’s two-way play will be critical. Their 10-2 record since Butler’s trade suggests they can sustain this form, but Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards (36 points in Game 3) poses a threat. Dallas, with no playoff games remaining, must regroup for the 2025-26 season, addressing their injury concerns and integrating Davis, who exited his Mavericks debut early. Their 41.1% three-point shooting offers hope, but improving their 17th-ranked defense (113.5 points allowed) is crucial.
Conclusion
The Golden State Warriors’ 126-102 demolition of the Dallas Mavericks on February 23, 2025, showcased their revitalized roster, led by Stephen Curry’s 30 points and Jimmy Butler’s two-way impact. Their 50.6% shooting, 15 three-pointers, and 18 points off turnovers overwhelmed a shorthanded Dallas squad missing Anthony Davis and others. Kyrie Irving and P.J. Washington’s 17 points each couldn’t counter Golden State’s depth, with six players in double figures and 46 rebounds dominating the glass. This game, a statement for the Warriors’ playoff aspirations, highlighted Dallas’ injury struggles and set the tone for Golden State’s postseason push.