Dallas Mavericks beat OKC Thunder in Game 3: 3 game-changing plays

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 105-101 in Game 3, taking a 2-1 lead in the series behind another great performance from P.J. Washington. It wasn't an easy game, as he totaled 38 fouls, 44 free throw attempts, 26 turnovers, 13 blocked shots, and 21 offensive rebounds.

Dallas once again jumped out to an early 13-5 lead, and the young Thunder quickly came back to seal the game. Throughout the second quarter, neither team led by more than five points, and the lead changed hands seven times during the period, including three late points.

The Thunder came out in a cannon just after halftime, turning a one-point lead into a game-high 10-point lead in the first few minutes, closing out the game on an 11-0 run on an alley-oop from Josh Guidy to Jaylen Williams. Run.

Read more: Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks lead OKC Thunder 2-1 in series

Williams' fingerprints were all over this game. He didn't record a steal and had just one block, but for most of the afternoon he played great defense against Kyrie Irving and was consistently in the right spot in help defense.

This was the biggest loss the Mavs had faced since the end of Game 1 (a 22-point loss), and they needed to follow up this OKC loss with a big comeback if they wanted to turn the game around.

The play begins here.

They complied.

Shortly after OKC took an 11-0 lead, Dallas went on a 16-0 run over the next four minutes, starting with a free throw by Derek Lively II and converting a corner 3 by P.J. Washington to make it 27. Earned a point.

This loss was fueled in large part by the Mavericks' defensive effort against OKC, which forced the Thunder to shoot 0-of-7 with turnovers and loose ball fouls. Dallas scored on the other end, but it all started on defense. Since trading Daniel Gafford with Washington, the Mavs have been able to have 3-4 minute stretches where they don't allow opposing teams to score, and it's fun to watch them fly around the court and make plays. . In today's era of hyperactive offenses, all they need is a few minutes of stingy defense.

All but this play and one after Oklahoma City decided to hack Lively for much of the fourth quarter (Lively stepped up and made 5 of 6 free throws in the final frame). There wasn't much offense to be proud of. To come.

Superstars always step up and make big plays when it matters most. Luka Doncic has a lot to complain about defensively, but he has great instincts on that side of the ball.

Irving tries to squeeze out a pass to Derrick Jones Jr. for a double team, but OKC deflects it. Isaiah Joe thought he could give Lou Dort an easy kick, but Doncic jumped the passing lane and carried the ball to the hoop, pushing the lead back to five points.

This is probably the biggest play of the game. If Doncic hadn't stolen this pass and finished with the cup, OKC would have scored on a layup or a transition 3 on the other end.

This finish from Kyrie Irving is just insane and reminiscent of his game-winner against the Denver Nuggets.

As mentioned above, Jaylen Williams played exceptional defense against Irving for most of the game, and this play epitomizes that. Great defense and elite offense, with Irving showing off his top-level ball handling and finishing with a floater to the left despite his physicality.

Irving finished with 22 points, eight of which came in the fourth quarter. He's been a very steadying piece for this team while Doncic has been dealing with injuries.

Dallas closed out the game on the defensive end as Luka Doncic battled through hard slams and physical defense on the floor before finishing it off with a free throw in the final seconds.

Doncic had 22 points, 15 rebounds and five assists, but again limped off for much of the game. He struggled from the floor, hitting only 7 of 17 shots, but his rebounding made a big difference.

PJ Washington again led the team with 27 points tonight and I can't praise his efforts enough. He steps up exactly when Dallas needs him and responds in a big way.

Derek Lively II rose to the challenge of being put on the free throw line multiple times in the fourth quarter and did what he needed to do. He still needs to improve overall, as you can't afford to miss this instant lob finish, but his energy has been contagious. He had 12 points and eight rebounds.

Dallas returns home to American Airlines Center on Monday at 8:30pm CST and holds its first lead of the series at 2-1.

Read more: Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving predicts Luka Doncic will 'win MVP right away'

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