Kyrie Irving led the way with 22 points, securing a crucial running shot in the final minute to seal Dallas’ victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, giving the Mavericks a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.
Luka Doncic also contributed 22 points alongside an impressive 15 rebounds, while P.J. Washington added 27 points, coming close to his playoff high from the previous game.
Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable performance of 31 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks, the Thunder fell short, with Gilgeous-Alexander being charged with an offensive foul in the closing seconds.
Having started the playoffs with a 5-0 record, Oklahoma City now faces consecutive losses. The series resumes with Game 4 scheduled for Monday night in Dallas.
Irving bounced back strongly from a low-scoring game, tallying 14 points in the second half, including six crucial points in the fourth quarter that widened the Mavericks’ lead.
Doncic, who entered the game nursing injuries to his knee and ankle, took a hard fall in the final minutes but managed to secure a crucial loose ball, maintaining Dallas’ lead.
