The Dallas Mavericks delivered an intense second-half comeback, overcoming a double-digit deficit to edge out the Oklahoma City Thunder, 105-101. This nail-biting victory gave the Mavs a 2-1 lead in their NBA Western Conference semi-final series on Saturday. Luka Doncic showcased his prowess once again, leading a tenacious Dallas team with crucial plays alongside Kyrie Irving and P.J. Washington.
Key Players Deliver for Dallas
- Kyrie Irving: Irving scored 14 of his 22 points in the second half, including a crucial floater with just 39.3 seconds remaining. This extended Dallas’ lead to five points and sealed the game.
- Luka Doncic: Doncic recorded a double-double with 22 points and 15 rebounds. He played through a tough defensive effort and physical falls to help secure the win. “We got the win, that’s all that matters,” Luka Doncic said. Although he tweaked his knee, he will benefit from the extra rest before the Mavs host Game Four on Monday.
- P.J. Washington: Washington was the team’s scoring leader with 27 points. He energized the American Airlines Center crowd with a monstrous dunk and a timely three-pointer during the team’s decisive 16-0 run in the third quarter.
Thunder’s Struggle and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Dominant Effort
Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31-point performance for Oklahoma City, the Thunder struggled to find consistent offense and lost control in the third quarter. They allowed Dallas to gain momentum and couldn’t regain it. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the team’s mistakes, stating, “We were up by 10 and had a pretty good grip on it and just didn’t stack quality enough possessions.”
Luka Dončić vs Dorture Chamber pic.twitter.com/bATmXtgjCs
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) May 11, 2024
Defensive Effort and Luka Doncic’s Team Chemistry Lifted Dallas
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd emphasized how critical defense was in their victory, saying, “We started to get some stops and then we started to run.” Kyrie Irving handed out seven assists while facilitating the offense, later delivering important three-pointers when his team needed it most. Luca Doncic praised Irving’s performance, describing it as “amazing.”
Looking Ahead: Cleveland vs. Boston
Elsewhere in the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers faced the Boston Celtics in a crucial Game Three of their Eastern Conference series. After tying the series at 1-1 with an upset victory in Boston, the Cavs aimed to press their advantage at home.
With these playoff series heating up, the next games are sure to bring even more excitement as teams battle for a spot in the Conference Finals.
