Thunder prevails over Mavs 100-96 to tie series 2-2
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a playoff-record 13 blocks from Dallas and rallied for a 100-96 victory Monday night to even their playoff semifinal series at 2-2.
Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort made crucial 3-pointers late, and Jalen Williams made a dunk, giving the Thunder a 94-91 lead with 1:29 left as the Dallas players and coaches argued over a double dribble.
The teams share matches on each other’s field. Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday evening in Oklahoma City.
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The Mavericks had a chance to tie the game with 10.1 seconds left when Luka Doncic drove to the line for two free throws, but missed the first, Webplayday.com.
Backed by one of their best defensive efforts of the season, the Mavs led by 14 early in the second half.
However, their offense faltered and the Thunder slowly made a comeback.
Oklahoma City took the lead for the first time since the game started — and for good — with Holmgren’s 3-point basket for an 89-86 lead with 3:24 to play.
PJ Washington led Dallas with 21 points, while Doncic recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
Kyrie Irving had his second single-digit scoring game of the series with nine points.
Dort’s 3-pointer came from deep despite a 3-of-10 shooting night and finished with 17 points.
Holmgren added 18 points and nine rebounds.
