Mavericks Take 2-1 Lead in Series Against the Thunder

The Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder split the first two games of this series, before heading down to Dallas Texas for some Game Three action. Yesterday afternoon, the Mavericks took a four-point win over the Thunder to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Oklahoma City must win Game Four if they are to tie up the series at two games apiece, or the Mavericks will take a defying 3-1 lead going back to Oklahoma City. In the closing minutes of this matchup, the Thunder needed someone other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to step up, and even though Shai did all he could, it was not enough to one-up the Mavs in this Game Three matchup.

Dallas finished the first quarter with a three-point lead, but Oklahoma City would take a one-point lead heading into halftime. After three-quarters of play, the Mavericks regained a four-point lead, which ultimately the Mavs won with a score of 105-101. Oklahoma City shot better than Dallas from the field, three-point range, and at the free-throw line. Both teams finished this game with 13 turnovers each. So how did the Mavericks win this game? Dallas ultimately took Game Three because they outrebounded Oklahoma City 48-41. The Mavericks pulled down nine more offensive rebounds than the Thunder giving them more opportunities to score and do damage. 

P.J. Washington led the Mavericks with 27 points in addition to having six rebounds, and two assists. Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving finished this game with 22 points apiece. Luka put up 22 points, 15 rebounds, five rebounds, and two steals, while Kyrie had 22 points, five rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and a block. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 31 points. Shai also recorded 10 rebounds, six assists, a steal, and five blocks. Jalen Williams scored 16 points on seven of 12 shooting while putting up six rebounds, and eight assists in the loss.