Mavericks Edge Thunder: Irving’s Heroics Secure Lead in Series

In a nail-biting matchup, the Dallas Mavericks secured a crucial victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, taking a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals. Kyrie Irving had to go for 22, the majority of which was right at the final minute with the same running left-hander, that got them the win.

The rookie scorer Luka Doncic had a game-high of 22 points and an outstanding 15 rebounds adding testimony of his adaptability and ability to impact the game. P. J. Washington, the Mavericks’ offense, was supplemented by 27 points.

Luka Doncic yesterday

22 Points
15 Rebounds
5 Assists
2 Steals
7/17 FG
51.4% TS pic.twitter.com/cyrYuvf4Pg

— NBANFLPosts (@NBANFLPosts) May 12, 2024

However, even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliant performance, where he scored 31 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks, was not enough to stop the Thunder from losing to the Mavericks who were playing to their strength.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tonight

31 points
7 assists (1 turnover)
4 steals
3 rebounds
12/22 FGA

50th 30 point game. MVP. pic.twitter.com/8J3CZzNpfP

— TF (@ThunderFocus) March 21, 2024

As a result, Doncic performed against injuries when he appeared through a sprained knee arthrometer and a sore ankle that did not affect him tremendously. The last few seconds of play were the most challenging because he fell hard, but he kept leading his team with the same determination.

As the Thunder’s exhaustive losses continue, getting a win on the road in game 4 set for Monday night at Dallas looks like a hard task for the struggling team. The Mavericks are inspired by their recent triumph and therefore their aim is to preserve their ascendance and expand their lead in the series.

Similarly to the NBA role, The Boston Celtics came back strong against the Cleveland Cavaliers after the letdown from game 2 and regained their control completely.

Jayson Tatum aggressively scored every single basket from the zone at the end of the play which he concluded with a total of 33 points supported by Jaylen Brown in his 28-point performance, and these proved that they were an offensive force to be reckoned with as well as resilient.

Jayson Tatum:

33 points
14 rebounds
6 assists

I was told he was washed. pic.twitter.com/guCwLow0IJ

— Savage (@SavageSports_) May 12, 2024

Although Donovan Mitchell scored as many as 33 points, the Cavaliers couldn’t use the Celtics’ aggressive play to their advantage. Besides, the loss of Mitchell caused more trouble for Cleveland’s team as they managed to win only three games without him to turn the situation around.

Donovan Mitchell, despite the loss:

33 points
7 threes
6 rebounds
0 turnovers
12/22 FG

Gave it his all. pic.twitter.com/rE6mRKwEOX

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 12, 2024

Following the lack of enthusiasm in Game 2, the Celtics followed a composition that is similar to their past encounters in the playoffs when they came back stronger. The team’s resilience after the setback is a good sign for their future championship dreams.

Last season when Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving both played the Mavericks went 5-11.

This season when the duo plays together, their record is 41-19.

LuKai forever ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zlE8LKreTk

— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) May 12, 2024

Following the game one of both the Mavericks and the Celtics are intending to keep their momentum and get more victories on the road to the playoffs.