Dallas, Texas – May 11, 2024 – In a thrilling match at the American Airlines Center, the Dallas Mavericks secured a crucial victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 105-101. Kyrie Irving’s clutch performance, coupled with Luka Doncic’s resilience despite injuries, propelled the Mavericks to a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

Irving and Doncic Lead Mavericks to Victory

Kyrie Irving, bouncing back from a subpar performance in the previous game, showcased his scoring prowess by tallying 22 points, including a crucial running left-handed shot in the final minute. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic, despite nursing injuries to his knee and ankle, displayed his trademark tenacity with 22 points and an impressive 15 rebounds. P.J. Washington contributed significantly with 27 points, almost matching his playoff high from Game 2.

Thunder’s Strong Effort Falls Short

Despite a valiant effort from the Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable performance of 31 points and 10 rebounds, Oklahoma City couldn’t overcome the Mavericks’ resilience. Gilgeous-Alexander’s late charge call with 29 seconds remaining dashed the Thunder’s hopes of a comeback. Despite starting the playoffs with a 5-0 record, the top-seeded Thunder now face the challenge of rebounding from consecutive losses.

Key Moments and Players

• Irving’s Redemption: Following a disappointing performance in the previous game, Irving stepped up in the second half, contributing 14 points to secure the victory for Dallas.
• Doncic’s Resilience: Despite sustaining injuries during the game, Doncic continued to play a pivotal role for the Mavericks, demonstrating his determination to lead his team to victory.
• Lively II’s Free Throws: Rookie center Dereck Lively II’s clutch free throws in the fourth quarter proved crucial in maintaining Dallas’ lead down the stretch.
• Injuries: Mavericks’ center Daniel Gafford’s early exit due to a shoulder injury and Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams’ ankle injury highlighted the physicality of the matchup.

Next Steps

With Game 4 set for Monday night in Dallas, both teams face critical decisions and adjustments to gain an edge in the series. The Mavericks aim to capitalize on their momentum, while the Thunder seek to regroup and mount a comeback to even the series.

Conclusion: Mavericks’ Victory Sets Stage for Intense Series

The Mavericks’ hard-fought win underscores the competitive nature of the Western Conference semifinals. With stars like Irving and Doncic leading the charge, and both teams showcasing resilience despite injuries, the series promises to deliver more thrilling moments as it progresses. As fans eagerly anticipate the next matchup, the stage is set for a compelling battle between two determined teams vying for a spot in the conference finals.

Related: NBA Playoffs: Mavericks-Thunder schedule, where to watch

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