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Warriors host first playoff game in 13 years

Apr 27, 2007 - 3:34 PM Dallas at Golden State 10:30 pm EDT Western Conference First Round Game Three

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- The Golden State Warriors host a playoff game for the first time in 13 years Friday when they meet the Dallas Mavericks in Game Three of their Western Conference first-round series.

In the playoffs for the first time since 1994, the eighth-seeded Warriors shocked the top seeded and league-leading Mavericks in the series opener Sunday.

But the Warriors lost their cool in Game Two on Wednesday as Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson both were ejected in the second half. Dallas pulled away for a 112-99 victory to even the series.

Coach Don Nelson said Thursday he will fine both players. "It doesn't make any sense to me, as hard as we worked to get to the playoffs, to all of a sudden get there and not be able to play because of ejections and not controlling our emotions," Nelson said

Jason Terry scored 28 points to pace the Mavericks, who trailed early in the third quarter before finally looking like the team they were during the regular season.

Dallas will be hoping for a better effort from star Dirk Nowitzki, who has averaged 18.5 points on 11-of-31 shooting in the series.

Jackson finished with 30 points and Monta Ellis - named the NBA's Most Improved Player on Thursday - had 20 for the Warriors in Game Two.

Game Four is here Sunday.