The Mavericks avoided a potential Game 7 on the road and closed out the series against the Thunder


The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 117-116, on Saturday night in Dallas, securing their spot in the Western Conference Finals. The thrilling game, filled with dramatic shifts in momentum, ended in a narrow victory for the Mavericks, showcasing their resilience and determination.


### Key Performances:


**Mavericks:**

- **Luka Doncic:** The star of the night, Luka Doncic, recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. His leadership and all-around performance were pivotal in the Mavericks' success.

- **Kyrie Irving:** After a quiet first half with only four points, Irving exploded in the second half, finishing with 22 points. His late-game heroics were crucial in the Mavericks' comeback.

- **P.J. Washington:** Washington's contribution was vital despite scoring only nine points. His points came at critical moments, making a significant impact on the game's outcome.


**Thunder:**

- **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:** Leading the charge for the Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander scored an impressive 36 points, along with three rebounds and eight assists. His dynamic playmaking kept the Mavericks' defense on edge throughout the game.

- **Jalen Williams and Chet Williams:** Both players provided strong support, scoring 22 and 21 points, respectively. Their offensive output was essential in keeping the Thunder competitive.



### Game Highlights:


- **Early Dominance by the Thunder:** The Thunder started strong, with Lu Dort setting the tone with his aggressive defense and timely scoring. Dort's early defensive plays and two consecutive three-pointers put the Mavericks on their heels.

- **Mavericks' Resilience:** Despite trailing for much of the game, the Mavericks showcased their grit and mental toughness. Key defensive stops and timely shots, especially in the second half, allowed them to stay within striking distance.

- **Crucial Moments:** P.J. Washington's nine points were among the most critical of his career, providing the Mavericks with the edge they needed. Luka Doncic's ability to handle pressure and make plays was evident as he orchestrated the offense.


### Conclusion:


The Mavericks' victory over the Thunder was a testament to their determination and skill. Overcoming a strong performance from Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the Thunder, the Mavericks proved their ability to perform under pressure. This hard-fought win sends them to the Western Conference Finals, where their resilience and teamwork will be put to the test once again.


### Mavericks' Comeback Victory Breakdown:


#### First Quarter:

- **Luka Doncic's Impact:** Early in the game, Luka Doncic kept the Mavericks afloat with crucial step-back threes. His timely scoring prevented the Thunder from running away with the lead.

- **Doncic's Brief Exit:** Doncic left for the locker room with 4:30 remaining, and Jaden Hardy stepped in. Hardy's playmaking led to a dunk for rookie Dereck Lively and a nice finish in the paint.

- **Thunder's Early Lead:** Despite Hardy's contributions, the Mavs ended the first quarter down 30-23. Kyrie Irving struggled, contributing only two points.


#### Second Quarter:

- **Game of Runs:** The Mavericks launched a 10-0 run, taking their first lead. However, the Thunder responded with two 7-0 runs and a Daniel Gafford alley-oop.

- **Irving's Struggles Continue:** Irving remained largely ineffective, scoring just one field goal in the quarter. Jason Kidd experimented with a Luka/Kyrie/Hardy/Green/Gafford lineup, which backfired as the Thunder capitalized with open threes.

- **Thunder's Halftime Lead:** Fueled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 21 points and 5 assists, the Thunder led 64-48 at halftime.


#### Third Quarter:

- **Doncic vs. SGA:** The quarter showcased a back-and-forth between Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Despite Doncic's seven turnovers, he kept the Mavericks within reach.

- **Closing the Gap:** Derrick Jones Jr.'s three-pointer narrowed the deficit to seven points, with the Thunder leading 90-83 entering the final quarter.


#### Fourth Quarter:

- **Key Stretch:** Around the six-minute mark, the Mavericks tied the game but made defensive lapses that allowed the Thunder to regain control. Miscommunication and missed assignments led to easy scores for Chet Holmgren.

- **Resilient Finish:** Despite the mistakes, the Mavericks showed resilience. Key plays in the last three minutes included an incredible shot by Lively and significant contributions from P.J. Washington, who had been quiet for most of the game. Luka Doncic's clutch performance sealed the deal.


### Key Thoughts:

- **Resilient Team Effort:** The Mavericks demonstrated mental toughness, overcoming poor defensive stretches and crucial mistakes to clinch the victory.

- **Supporting Cast:** While Doncic and Irving were the primary scorers, contributions from players like Lively and Washington were pivotal in the win.

- **SGA's Dominance:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a force, and containing him was a challenge. The Mavs' ability to withstand his performance highlighted their resilience.

- **Preparation for Western Conference Finals:** The win propels the Mavericks into the Western Conference Finals, where their grit and ability to perform under pressure will be tested further.


### Conclusion:

The Mavericks' victory over the Thunder was a testament to their determination and adaptability. Despite facing significant challenges, they found ways to make crucial plays and secure a spot in the Western Conference Finals. This comeback win underscores their potential and sets the stage for an exciting series ahead.


PJ Washington was/is incredible


Let’s put something to bed this instant—the trade for Washington was a win. If the past week and half turn out to be the peak of his career in Dallas, that statement will still be true. In a series where Kidd was desperate to find ways to get Doncic help, Washington stepped up and was huge reason for why this team finds themselves in the Western Conference Finals. In Games 2 through 5, he averaged 25 points per game.

More important that his scoring output, was his defensive effort. His length and athleticism helped anchor a Mavericks defense that slowed down the Thunder offense and made them a one man team. There isn’t a player on the planet that can single handedly shut down SGA, but with the game on the line there was one man tasked with making things difficult for him and that man was PJ Washington. Washington is truly a cult hero amongst Mavericks fans and his legend continues to grow.


Kyrie Irving needs to be better


### Analysis of Kyrie Irving’s Performance

#### First Half Struggles:
- **Defensive Lapses:** Kyrie Irving's defensive effort in the first half was subpar. On a key play, Jalen Williams hit a three-pointer while Irving jogged lackadaisically, failing to close out effectively. This kind of defensive effort is unacceptable for a player of his caliber.
- **Lack of Engagement:** There was a noticeable lack of hustle from Irving. After passing the ball to Luka Doncic, Irving visibly placed his hands on his knees, showing a lack of readiness and engagement in the play. This passive body language suggested either fatigue or disinterest, both of which are concerning for a player expected to be a leader on the court.
- **Offensive Ineffectiveness:** Irving’s offensive contributions were minimal, with only two made baskets in the first half. His overall point production in the series had been inconsistent, highlighting a troubling trend of underperformance.

#### Second Half Turnaround:
- **Improved Performance:** Irving significantly stepped up his game in the second half, showing the fight and competitive spirit expected of him. His engagement and effort levels increased, and he made crucial plays that contributed to the Mavericks’ comeback.
- **Dynamic Influence:** Irving’s impact goes beyond scoring. His ability to facilitate, draw defenders, and create opportunities for teammates is vital. Even when his shots aren’t falling, his presence and activity can positively influence the game.

### Key Takeaways:
- **Need for Consistency:** The stark contrast between Irving’s first and second-half performances highlights the need for consistent effort and engagement. The Mavericks rely on him not just for scoring but for his overall influence on the game.
- **Emotional Play:** Irving’s emotional approach to the game can be both a strength and a weakness. When engaged, he’s one of the most dynamic players in the league. However, his visible frustration and lack of effort can have a detrimental effect on the team.
- **Future Performance:** For the Mavericks to succeed in the Western Conference Finals and beyond, they need the second-half version of Kyrie Irving. His skill set and basketball IQ are crucial, but consistent effort and engagement are paramount.

### Conclusion:
Kyrie Irving’s first-half performance against the Thunder was a cause for concern, marked by a lack of defensive intensity and offensive involvement. However, his turnaround in the second half showcased his potential to be a game-changer. Moving forward, the Mavericks need Irving to bring consistent energy and focus, as his contributions are essential for the team’s success in the playoffs.