The Thunder's youth has been questioned all season, but they've been proving doubters wrong. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, just 25, played like an MVP, guiding them to the top seed in the West. Plus, they've got clutch skills, boasting a top 10 clutch net rating. And in the playoffs, they showed their mettle by sweeping the Pelicans in the first round.
Then, they faced off against the experienced Luka Doncic and the Mavericks in Game 1 of the second round and came out with a commanding 117-95 win. Gilgeous-Alexander was on fire, almost nabbing a triple-double with 29 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Now, they're leading the series 1-0 with Game 2 on Thursday.
Defense was the key in their victory. They shut down Doncic and Kyrie Irving, holding them to just 39 points on 39.5% shooting. Chet Holmgren and the Thunder's length gave the Mavericks headaches, limiting them to 42.1% shooting in the paint.
The Thunder's offensive strategy revolves around spacing and driving. With shooters like Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, and Holmgren, they punished the Mavericks from beyond the arc, shooting a solid 45.7% from 3-point range. Dallas needs to adjust in the next game by staying glued to the shooters and challenging the Thunder guards in the paint.
Holmgren was a force with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, while Williams stepped up with 18 points, 10 of which came in the decisive fourth quarter. Oklahoma City's depth and versatility were on full display, proving they're not just a one-man show.
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