DALLAS, TX – The Dallas Mavericks have won their fourth straight after beating the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday night 104-102 .
The Mavs opened the first quarter going on a 5-0 run on OKC and continued to create a big lead going up 10-3. The Thunder started to gain speed on offense and came back within two points 16-14 with five minutes remaining in the first quarter. It didnt last long as Dallas continued to knock down shots shooting 40 percent from the floor in the first half.
Dallas went into the second quarter up 33-24.
The second quarter was a bit of a roller coaster. OKC came out the second quarter and quickly came back from their 11-point deficit and got within one point, 41-40 with four minutes left in the second quarter.
Dallas held their own and managed to outscore OKC in the second quarter 20-18 to take an 11-point lead into the half 53-42.
Mavs go on a 16-4 run to open up the third quarter to start to climb and have a significant lead on OKC. Dallas led 70-48 with 5:48 remaining in the third. What we thought was going to be a blow out game became closer than everyone expected. Dallas lost their 22-point lead in the matter of five minutes due to horrible lack of defense.
OKC went on a 20-3 run late in the third quarter to come back within three points with 8.8 seconds remaining. The Thunder outscored the Mavs in the third 30-23. With that, Dallas still took a five point lead going into the fourth up 77-72.
The Mavs continue to struggle from beyond the arc and that has been an issue the entire season. They shot 12-of-36 tonight with Luka Doncic shooting 0-6.
OKC did not lay down in the fourth either and Dallas could not get rid of them. The Thunder were within five with 3:40 left in the game and it was a little too close for comfort still.
Both teams were neck and neck at the end of this game. Dallas led by one possession with 1:05 left in the game. Doncic was called for the foul and sent OKC to the line. Both freethrows were missed and the Mavs had control of the ball with one minute remaining and a three point lead.
Tim Hardaway Jr. was fouled with 20 seconds left and he made both freethrows giving Dallas a three point lead, 100-97, forcing OKC to have to make an outside shot with 20 seconds left.
OKC turned over the ball and Doncic recovered it and sent it to Josh Green for a fastbreak layup. Mavs go up 102-99.
The Thunder then foul Jaylin Brunson and he makes both freethrows giving Dallas a 104-99 lead with 3.2 seconds remaining. At this point you would think the game is over but not yet. OKC shot a quick three making the score 104-102 with 2.5 seconds left.
They again foul Dallas forcing the free throws where Green comes up short on both. OKC has the ball back with 2.6 seconds left and turns it over yet again to end the game.
Dallas defeats the Thunder 104-12.
“We just stopped playing defense, but we gotta give them credit, they didnt stop playing.” Said Head Coach Jason Kidd post game.
Dallas will continue their home stand with three more home games before they hit the road. They will host the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night at 7:30 PM.
TOP PLAYERS :
Luka Doncic led with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Dorian Finney-Smith had 17 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists.
Jaylin Brunson had 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists.
