Last night in Dallas, the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled off an impressive comeback to even their Western Conference Semifinal series against the Dallas Mavericks at two games apiece. Entering the game as slight underdogs, OKC demonstrated resilience and strategic prowess in a 100-96 victory.
The Thunder found themselves trailing by as much as 14 points early in the second half but mounted a significant rally to clinch the win outright, defying the betting odds of minus 110 for the Mavericks and minus 106 for themselves. The Mavericks struggled mightily with their shooting and free throws, which ultimately cost them the game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder played a crucial role in this turnaround, putting in over 40 minutes on the court, scoring 34 points on 27 shots without a single turnover. His performance, alongside efficient contributions from multiple teammates helped tie the series.
The game’s turning point came in the second half. Despite being down at halftime, OKC stepped up defensively in the third quarter, holding the Mavericks to just 15 points while scoring 22 themselves. They then accelerated offensively in the fourth quarter with 35 points, limiting the Mavericks to 27.
This victory is particularly significant for OKC, who entered the postseason with some skepticism around their capability to compete at a high level. However, their performance in the first round against an injured New Orleans Pelicans team and now against the Mavericks has shown their grit and potential.
Looking forward, the Thunder are back in the driver’s seat as the series heads into Game 5. Their ability to overcome adversity and pull together as a team under pressure suggests they are not just participants in this series but serious contenders. For those following the playoff journey of OKC, last night’s game was a clear indication that this team has both the talent and the tenacity to go far, perhaps even beyond this current series against the Mavericks.
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