MAY 11, 2024 — The 2023-24 NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the action continues this weekend. One of the games on tap from today’s slate features the Dallas Mavericks hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Here is a look at how this series has unfolded thus far.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Tipoff
When: Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 3:30 PM ET
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
TV: ABC
Mavericks vs. Thunder – Series Recap & Trends
Let’s be perfectly honest: the Dallas Mavericks got waxed in the series opener to the tune of 117-95. And with Luka Doncic being somewhat hobbled with a knee injury, it was reasonable to question if the Mavericks would be able to respond in Game 2.
In a word: Absolutely.
After producing just 19 points on 6-for-19 shooting in the series opener, Doncic responded with 29 points on 11-for-21 shooting from the floor while connecting on five of his eight attempts from 3-point range. In his previous four outings, he was just 5-for-35 from deep.
P.J. Washington also had a solid game, finishing with 29 points (a career-playoff high), 11 boards, and four dimes. Here is what Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said about his performance via ESPN.
I thought P.J. set the tone,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “We played through him a little bit in the post and I think that sparked him. He was big for us tonight.
Daniel Gafford contributed 13 points and seven rebounds. Kyrie had a quiet game with just nine points on 2-for-8 shooting from the floor. But he did have 11 of the Mavericks’ 30 assists in this contest.
Thunder Bounce Back From First Loss?
The Thunder came into this matchup on the heels of five consecutive victories. However, following their 119-110 loss in Game 2, they find themselves in unchartered waters. This was also the team’s first home loss in the playoffs as well.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander certainly did his part, scoring a team-high 33 points on 13-of-24 shooting from the field. He converted all six of his attempts from the charity stripe. Additionally, he hauled in 12 rebounds and handed out eight assists, leading the team in these categories as well.
Jalen Williams pumped in 20 points, along with four rebounds and four assists. Rookie of the Year runner-up, Chet Holmgren had a somewhat quiet game with 11 points and six boards. Although this the first time the young Thunder have faced adversity in the postseason, their head coach is not overly concerned about the team’s recent setback. Here are his thoughts heading into Game 3 via CBS Sports.
Curious but confident,” Daigneault said of how his team would react in the wake of Thursday’s 119-110 loss that tied the series 1-1. “I’m not sitting here wondering. This is a team that’s made a habit of getting back up. We keep a pretty steady temperament through the ups and downs of the season, and this is just part of the deal.
Dallas and OKC split their two regular season games at American Airlines Center during the regular season. Based on what we’ve seen thus far, that trend will probably continue over the next two games in Dallas.
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