Thunder vs. Mavericks
Dallas's Mavericks have taken the lead in the second-round series with a score of 3-2, and their hopes of advancing to the Western Conference finals have been greatly increased. That's right, since they entered the playoffs, they have never suffered from injuries and have always been able to control the rhythm of the game. Whether it's their title contender's core Eastern European duo or the role players on the bench, they all have a tenacious fighting spirit. Head coach Kidd even said at one point that although Alexander and Jayway are excellent, the team can also find ways to restrain their play.
However, although the Thunder are still very young and do not have a lot of playoff experience, their youth is their biggest asset, and they have more opportunities for trial and error. Surprisingly, the Thunder also have the second-highest defensive efficiency in the league in this playoff journey, and can also effectively contain Doncic's play. In this G6 matchup, the Mavericks were also able to complete the stunner with Washington's free throws at the critical moment of the decisive moment, winning with a total score of 117-116 and advancing to the Western Finals with a score of 4-2.
The specific results
In the first quarter of the game, the Thunder, who were fighting away, took the lead and took the initiative to lead the score. Alexander delivered 7 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in a single quarter, Williams also had 7 points and 2 rebounds, and Dort, who contributed 9 points, 1 assist and 2 steals, helped the team take a 7-point lead with a score of 30-23. Entering the second quarter of the matchup, the Thunder were able to take advantage of the situation and continue to play a 34-25 score with the help of Alexander's 14 points and 2 assists in a single quarter, successfully expanding the difference to 16 points.
Yibian fought again, and the Mavericks, who were behind in the score, finally launched a corresponding counterattack. In the third quarter of the game, Doncic stepped up, shooting 2 of 4, 5 of 5 free throws, sending 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal, Irving also had 10 points and 2 assists, and Jones, who contributed 11 points, successfully narrowed the gap to 7 points with a score of 35-26. In the final quarter of the decisive game, the Mavericks never gave up, hitting two of Washington's three free throws in the final moment, playing a score of 34-26, and completing the final comeback with a total score of 117-116.
epilogue
The Thunder failed to stabilize the situation and let the opponent complete the free throw role, which was really distressing. During this period, Alexander can be said to have done his best. He played 43 minutes in a single game, 4-of-5 three-pointers, 14-of-25 free throws, and delivered a game-high 36 points, as well as 3 rebounds and 8 assists, Williams also had 22 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists, and Holmgren who handed over 21 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist. In addition, Dort and Joe both have 11-point scoring outputs, but they can only be powerless.
On the side of the Mavericks, who won at home, they seem to be more involved in the details. Doncic played nearly 45 minutes and delivered a triple-double of 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, effectively relieving the pressure on the team in all aspects. Irving also has 22 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists, and Jones, who has 22 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Although PJ Washington only had 9 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in a single game, his key free throws at the decisive moment obviously became the savior of the team and the team's promotion to the Western Conference finals.