On the morning of May 19, Beijing time, the Western Conference semifinals came to the G6 competition, and the Dallas Mavericks returned to their home court and continued to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In the previous 5 games, the Mavericks led 3-2 and got the match point. For the Mavericks, Doncic's performance is basically quite stable, and how Irving plays may be one of the biggest variables in the game.
Throughout the first half, Irving only made five shots, scored four points on 2-of-5 shooting, grabbed one rebound, had no assists, and had two turnovers. It is no exaggeration to say that except for a wonderful back-dribble and a pull-up folding layup, Irving's desire to shoot is extremely low, and it is equivalent to disappearing on the court.
At the end of the half, the Thunder went on a frantic 24-6 run to take a 16-point lead at halftime.
After three minutes of playing in the second half, Irving accelerated away Chet's defense and scored a layup. Irving's offensive desire has increased, and Doncic hit three-pointers in succession, and the Mavericks' home crowd is boiling.
When the Mavericks chased the difference to only 6 points, Irving once again staged his signature pull-up jump shot, and the Thunder had to call a halt.
Doncic's physical fitness has declined, two consecutive shots hit the iron, and when Irving needed to step up, Ou Shenxian did not disappoint the fans, drifting three points from the outside and falling with a knife.
When the Thunder start to wrap up Irving, Irving can attract the defense to send a babysitter-level pass, and Lively puts the ball in under the basket. At the end of the third quarter, the Mavericks trailed by 7 points, and Irving scored 10 points in a single quarter, as scheduled.
At the beginning of the final quarter, Irving advanced to the three-point line with the ball, a false duffle + jump shot, and scored again. With 7:32 left in the final quarter, Irving forced a shot against the defense and shot into the net from a distance, and the Mavericks trailed by 17 points in the end to chase the score to 95-97.
Ou Shenxian's performance is not only to score, but also to make a wonderful pass, along the bottom line to the basket to attract the defense after the small hand shakes, Lively forced to jump, playing 2+1.
Irving's magic continued, Doncic's inside throw was blocked, the ball went to Irving, and when the 24 seconds were about to expire, Irving could only shoot quickly, the ball went in, and the Mavericks and Thunder tied it at 110.
With two seconds left in the final quarter, the Mavericks trailed by one point, and Washington made a three-point Thunder foul. Washington's free throws became the key, and the Mavericks eliminated the Thunder 117-116 with a big score of 4-2 and advanced to the Western Conference Finals.
In the end, Irving shot 9 of 23, including 4 of 10 three-pointers, 0 free throws, and scored 22 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists.