Stephen Curry helps Golden State Warriors win opener against Dallas Mavericks

Stephen Curry top-scored with 21 points as he helped the Golden State Warriors beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-87 in their Western Conference final opener. 

The Warriors held Dallas star Luka Doncic to only 20 points, his lowest total in the playoffs.

Curry, who also grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds, added, "We did what we were expected to do - protect home court, win the first game."

Coming in, we had a definite game plan in mind, which we mostly followed.

"'Wiggs' was incredible. Doncic is one of the most tough players to cover in the NBA "Warriors coach Steve Kerr stated.

"We simply requested Wiggs to pursue him, stay in front of him, and apply pressure. He did an outstanding job."

Doncic scored 29 points per game in the play-off series against the Utah Jazz and 32.6 points per game in the semi-final series against the Phoenix Suns.

The Warriors will host the second game of the best-of-seven series on Friday (02:00 BST Saturday), when they will be back at home in San Francisco.