May 20, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter in game two of the 2022 western conference finals at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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After trailing by as many as 19 points, the Golden State Warriors put on a show in the second half to come away with a 126-117 home victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2. The Warriors take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals.

The Mavericks took a 72-58 lead into halftime, led by 24 first-half points from Luka Dončić.

But the Warriors stepped up their defensive intensity in the third quarter and outscored Dallas 25-13 to trim the Mavericks’ lead to two points.

And in the fourth quarter (when Golden State took its first lead of the game), the Warriors’ offense took things to another level, outscoring Dallas 43-32.

Steph Curry led the way with 32 points (11-of-21 from the field, 6-of-10 on threes, 4-of-4 at the line), while Jordan Poole scored 23 points (7-of-10 from the field, 2-of-4 on threes, 7-of-7 at the line) and Kevon Looney scored 21 points (10-of-14 from the field, 12 rebounds).

The Looney production is particularly eye-opening. He’d literally never scored 20-plus points in an organized basketball game since his freshman season at UCLA!

So, the Warriors take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, which now goes to Dallas for Games 3 and 4. Even if the Mavericks are able to win their home games, can they win a game in San Francisco? Golden State is now 8-0 at home — Chase Center — in these playoffs. The second half of Game 2 was just a massive swing in the series and a huge opportunity blown for the Mavericks.

Here’s a sampling of how the basketball world has reacted to the Warriors beating the Mavericks in Game 2:

https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1527863680234246144

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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