The Dallas Mavericks were able to secure a comfortable 119-110 win in Game 2 of the Conference Semi-Final against the OKC Thunder. Luka Doncic and PJ Washington scored 29 points each to lead the way for the Mavs. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Josh Green scored 17 and 11 points respectively to add to the scoring from the bench. Despite Kyrie Irving’s struggles on the offensive end, he was able to make his presence felt by containing the OKC Thunder on the defensive side with 2 steals and as many blocks.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 33 points for the Thunder. He also grabbed 12 rebounds and made 8 assists on the night, while shooting 54.2% from the field. Jalen Williams added to the scoring with a 20-point performance, but that was not enough to help the OKC team get to a win. The Mavs’ defense showed up at the Paycom Centre as they made life miserable for the Thunder.
With the series now heading to Dallas, the Mavs will have a chance to take the lead. They showed a great response after a terrible Game 1 by playing brilliantly on both ends in Game 2. Undoubtedly, the likes of Luka and Kyrie are leading the way, but players like Daniel Gafford, Derrick Jones Jr. and PJ Washington have been instrumental in the team’s postseason run. The trio have anchored the defense for the Mavs and made things extremely difficult for the opponents in the paint and the perimeter.
Dallas Mavericks’ defense could propel them to success against the OKC Thunder
The Dallas Mavericks are a team that has been on a mission this season. Despite the injuries that they have faced, the Jason Kidd-coached team managed to finish with a 50-32 record in the regular season. They were matched up against an experienced LA Clippers side in the first round and managed to beat them in 6 games.
Their defense has been amazing to watch, with guys like Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic also elevating on the other end of the floor. Kidd who was known to be one of the best defending point guard in the NBA has transformed his team into a two-way force. They have some talented bigs, who are clogging the paint and making it difficult for opponents to score.
Having stolen a win on the road, the Mavs will now be hoping to impose their will on the young OKC Thunder side. They have more experience in the postseason, but defeating the Thunder team is not going to be easy. Both these sides are evenly matched and while the Thunder’s inexperience could haunt them, they have been making up for it with their undying passion to win.
