DALLAS – Kristaps Porziņģis delivered a strong performance, scoring 22 points and playing a season-high 29 minutes and 12 seconds, as the Golden State Warriors edged his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, 137-131 in overtime on Tuesday night. The victory marked a crucial win for the Warriors, who have struggled for consistency in recent weeks.
The extended playing time for Porziņģis represents a significant shift for the Warriors, who have been carefully managing his minutes as he integrates into the team following his trade in February. He was the second-leading scorer for Golden State, trailing only Moses Moody’s 23 points. Porziņģis also contributed seven rebounds and five assists, showcasing his all-around impact on the game.
Moses Moody, Kristaps Porzingis, & Brandin Podziemski led the way for the Warriors as they picked up a 137-131 OT win over the Mavericks!
The Warriors had 8 players in double figures! Great balance! 🔥💪 pic.twitter.com/vlhCRFsBYP
— NBA 24/7 (@247_NBA_) March 24, 2026
While Porziņģis’ shooting wasn’t at its peak – he went 5-of-11 from the field, 2-of-6 from three-point range, and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line – his presence was felt on both ends of the court. The Warriors needed every contribution against a Mavericks team led by rookie Cooper Flagg, who exploded for 32 points and nine assists.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Mavericks building a 15-point lead in the second quarter. Still, the Warriors chipped away at the deficit, tying the game at 98-98 heading into the fourth quarter. Porziņģis played a key role in the comeback, scoring eight points in the third quarter and bringing his total to 18 points by that point.
Golden State started the final quarter with an 11-0 run, but Dallas responded, forcing the game into overtime. In the extra period, Moody proved to be the difference-maker, though he unfortunately sustained a knee injury that forced him to leave the game. Brandin Podziemski added 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Warriors, while Gary Payton II chipped in with 17 points.
The win was particularly important for the Warriors, who had been struggling to discover consistency without key players like Stephen Curry, who remains sidelined with a knee injury. Jimmy Butler’s season is also over, adding to the team’s challenges. This was their first victory in four games and only their seventh in the last 22 contests since the beginning of February.
Currently, the Warriors hold the tenth seed in the Western Conference with a record of 34 wins and 38 losses, positioning them for a spot in the play-in tournament. The Western Conference playoff picture remains tight, and every game carries significant weight as teams battle for positioning.
In eight games with the Warriors, Porziņģis is averaging 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in just over 21 minutes per game. His integration into the Warriors’ system continues to evolve, and his increased playing time suggests the coaching staff is growing more comfortable with his role.
The Mavericks, despite Flagg’s impressive performance, couldn’t hold on for the win. Daniel Gafford added 20 points for Dallas. The loss drops their record to 32-42.
For the Warriors, the victory provides a much-needed boost as they navigate a challenging stretch without Curry. The team’s ability to win with balanced scoring – eight players scored in double figures – is a positive sign. However, the injury to Moody is a concern, and his status will be closely monitored.
Golden State will look to continue their momentum on their next outing, while the Mavericks will aim to rebound from the disappointing loss. The Warriors’ next game is scheduled for Friday against the Phoenix Suns.
The Warriors’ resilience in overcoming a double-digit deficit and securing the overtime victory demonstrates their championship pedigree. While challenges remain, particularly with key injuries, the team’s ability to find ways to win is a testament to their depth and coaching.
Keep reading
