The Mavericks did not miss their return home, taking advantage of the opportunity to regain the lead in the series, with the help of an Irving-Doncic duo who pulled up their sleeves and choice X factors like PJ Washington, still decisive in this Game 3.
Dallas wanted to set the fire from the start and was able to count on PJ Washington to light the spark, post 4 scoring 11 of his team's first 20 points! Kyrie Irving's two baskets then allowed the locals to move to +9 (24-15), but OKC was quick to rectify the situation, via outside shots from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Joe at the end of the first quarter-time (26-23), then going in front, still thanks to Joe, author of two baskets and a service to the point for Jalen Williams' 3-pointer (31-34).
Dallas' attack was slow, and despite Derek Lively II's dunk to try to break the deadlock, the Texans were unable to get rid of the Thunder. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic may have struggled before the break, but it was OKC and the SGA-Joe-Holmgren trio who took the lead at the break (51-52).
A 16-0 to respond to an 11-0!
The pressure increased upon returning from the locker room when the Thunder went 11-0 initiated and concluded by Jalen Williams on an alley-oop on the counter-attack to move to +10 (55-65). This time, it was the Mavericks who were able to react quickly, responding with a resounding 16-0, with once again PJ Washington as an X factor for the Mavericks, with two 3-point arrows, a dunk and an assist for the 3-pointer from Josh Green (71-65). The American Airlines Center found itself re-energized, fueled by two 3-point baskets from Kyrie Irving and one from Tim Hardaway Jr at the last second to end the third quarter (82-78).
In the last act, Chet Holmgren's two baskets did not weigh heavily in the balance while Kyrie Irving began to catch fire, multiplying the decisive actions, finishing (and with style) three times and passing for a sublime alley-oop for Derek Lively II (92-83).
The job still had to be finished, which was not the easiest, notably due to SGA's 3-pointer which put the pressure back on the locals (92-89). Derek Lively II made up for his 1/4 throw by passing a 4/4 to respond to Isaiah Joe's 3-pointer (100-95). The end was laborious, but it was Dallas and the Doncic-Irving tandem who ensured in the “mega money-time” with a precious basket each to ensure the victory at the end of the effort, after a final free throw from Slovene (105-101).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– A 16-0 that changed everything. Dallas waited a long time for it, its highlight which allowed it to take over a Thunder team that was still so eye-catching. It even took an 11-0 from OKC at the start of the third quarter, and Jason Kidd's men found themselves in a delicate situation to say the least, to react and put the room in their pocket once and for all.
– A still crucial PJ Washington. On the momentum of his Game 2 at 29 points, the former position 4 of the Hornets was once again the big man of this Game 3, taking full advantage of the shifts offered by the Doncic-Irving doublet to punish the opposing defense, near the circle or by far, which he did brilliantly (5/12). Mavs poorly boarded.
– The interior sector of the Mavericks. We know the Thunder's weak point, which tends to get pushed down by teams that play “tall-ball” with limited rotation in the racket in terms of size and physical density. It is precisely on this point that the Mavs made a decisive adjustment during the season by recovering PJ Washington and PJ Gafford to densify their paint. This is another point that cost OKC in this match, Mark Daigneault's men having suffered in the fight for rebounds and had difficulty scoring near the circle. Conversely, Dallas can congratulate itself on the performance of PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford and also Derek Lively II, whose relays were beneficial for the team and for the show, up to his perfect 4/4 throw which contributed to the final victory.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
