Luka Doncic was already dealing with a sore right knee and left ankle when he took a hard fall on his back while battling Lu Dort for a loose ball.
Despite the pain, Doncic managed to win the jump ball and secure the loose ball that followed, helping the Dallas Mavericks secure a 105-101 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder and take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.
“I’m feeling everything,” Doncic said afterward, acknowledging the toll the game took on him. “I’m just giving it my all out there.”
Kyrie Irving contributed 22 points, including a crucial shot in the final minute to help the Mavericks maintain their lead.
Doncic recorded 22 points and an impressive 15 rebounds, while P.J. Washington Jr. added 27 points, just two points shy of his playoff high from Game 2.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points and 10 rebounds but was charged with an offensive foul in the final seconds of the game.
Chet Holmgren contributed 13 points and four blocks for the Thunder, who had a total of 10 blocks in the game. However, they struggled on the offensive boards, being outrebounded 16-5 by the Mavericks, who capitalized with 16 second-chance points compared to the Thunder’s 9.
Despite starting the playoffs with a 5-0 record, the top-seeded Thunder have now lost two consecutive games. Game 4 is scheduled for Monday night in Dallas.
“It’s intense competition,” Holmgren remarked. “Both teams are hungry for the win. Regardless of the outcome, it’s the kind of basketball game you want to be a part of.”
