Experience Can Come with Some Pain
The young Oklahoma City Thunder just got their first big dose of it. Dallas Mavericks players like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have been there, enduring past painful losses that now fuel them in crucial moments.
Dramatic Finish and Key Free Throws
In a nail-biting finish, P.J. Washington sank two free throws with just 2.5 seconds left on the clock after being fouled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on a 3-pointer. Although Oklahoma City challenged the call, the replay confirmed the foul as SGA made contact with Washington's arm before the shot was released. Washington's free throws put Dallas ahead 117-116. He then intentionally missed the third, leaving the Thunder — out of timeouts — unable to score. This resulted in a dramatic home win for Dallas, clinching a 4-2 series victory and advancing them to the Western Conference Finals.
Irving’s Impressive Streak and Doncic's Heroics
Kyrie Irving’s record in closeout games remains unblemished at 14-0. Reflecting on their situation, Irving said, “Being down 17 in a closeout game isn’t a position you want to be in. But that’s where we found ourselves. We had to respond the way we’ve been responding all season.”
Luka Doncic, despite playing through an ailing knee, posted his third consecutive triple-double, showcasing his ability to rise up when his team needs him most. Doncic’s performance was pivotal in lifting the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals for the second time in three years. Alongside Doncic, Irving and Derrick Jones Jr. each contributed 22 points, with Jones making crucial plays when the Thunder doubled Doncic and Irving.
The Thunder's Strong Effort
Gilgeous-Alexander played like an MVP candidate, finishing with 36 points. Jalen Williams also had a standout game with 22 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. It looked like Oklahoma City might force a Game 7 as they surged with 24 points in the final five minutes of the first half, taking a 64-48 lead into the break. SGA was aggressive, scoring 21 points in the first half alone, and as the defense focused on him, the Thunder spread the ball effectively, with seven other players scoring in that run.
Turnovers and Frustration
Dallas struggled in the first half, turning the ball over 12 times, which allowed the Thunder 14 more shot attempts and 11 more 3-pointers in the first 24 minutes. This discrepancy left the Mavericks frustrated with the officiating and distracted.
Second Half Poise and Experience
In the second half, Dallas demonstrated their experience, showing more composure and making crucial plays, boosted by the home crowd. Oklahoma City will have future opportunities and now has more experience to draw on.
Next Steps
With this win, Dallas moves on to face the winner of the Game 7 showdown between Minnesota and Denver. The Western Conference Finals start on Wednesday, and the Mavericks will look to leverage their seasoned stars and past experiences in the next big challenge.
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