By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Dallas Mavericks prevailed in the crucial final stretch of the fourth quarter to edge the Oklahoma City Thunder, 105-101, and secure a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals of the ongoing NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2024.
Leading by just three points with only 2:18 remaining in the game, Luka Doncic made a pivotal steal that led to an easy fast-break bucket, putting the Mavericks up by five points, 102-97.
Despite a response from the Thunder, Kyrie Irving sealed the game by sinking an acrobatic left-handed floater in the final 40 seconds of the tightly contested affair.
The game was marked by shifts in momentum as both teams traded scoring runs.
Dallas initially took a 10-point lead, but the Thunder, fueled by a red-hot Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a strong performance from their bench, rallied back to take a 10-point lead in the third quarter.
With Doncic struggling from the field due to tight defense from Luguentz Dort, it was PJ Washington who sparked the Mavericks with a momentum-shifting run before the end of the third quarter.
Washington hit three crucial three-pointers and made several leaning floaters that helped Dallas regain the lead.
Tim Hardaway Jr. also had a standout performance, continuing his strong play from Game 2, and boosted the Mavericks with his efficient scoring.
Washington led the Mavericks with 27 points, six rebounds, and two assists, marking his second consecutive game scoring over 25 points in the series.
Doncic and Irving contributed 22 points each and combined for 20 rebounds, 12 assists, and three steals. Meanwhile, rookie center Dereck Lively nearly recorded a double-double, finishing with 12 points and eight rebounds.
