OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Dallas Mavericks by a final score of 117-95 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Tuesday at Paycom Center. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 29 points, nine rebounds and nine assists for the Thunder, while Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 39 points for the Mavericks.
“It's not going to be easy because they're a great team, a great defensive team, a great offensive team,” Doncic said. “We were able to play very good basketball and focused basketball for 48 minutes.”
The Thunder's victory was fueled by a strong second quarter where they outscored the Mavericks 34-21 and a dominant third quarter that extended their lead to 14 points. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 10 points in the third quarter, including several key baskets that thwarted the Mavericks' comeback attempt.
Despite a valiant effort from Doncic and Irving, the Mavericks couldn't overcome a poor shooting night, shooting 39 percent from the field and 22 percent from 3-point range. Conversely, the Thunder shot 48 percent from the field and 41 percent from deep, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Williams combining for 46 points.
The Mavericks' struggles were made worse by 16 turnovers, which the Thunder turned into 23 points. The Thunder also outscored the Mavericks 52-39 with Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylin Williams each grabbing nine rebounds.
After the game, Doncic said, “We were close to one point, so I think we relaxed a little bit.'' “We have to be better. We are known to struggle in the first game, but we have to stay focused.”
Doncic, who is suffering from a right knee sprain, was limited to 6-19 from the field and 1-8 from 3-point range. He struggled shooting throughout the playoffs, shooting 39.5 percent from the floor and 22.7 percent from beyond the arc.
“It just hurts,” Doncic said. “My mobility has decreased. My explosiveness when driving the ball has decreased. But it's about the same. These days have given me a little more time to rest, a little more time to rehab. Ta.”
The Mavericks clearly struggled to stop Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder from getting to the free-throw line, especially in the first half, as he made 11 of the team's 22 free-throw attempts by halftime. It was occupied.
“I thought he did a really good job, but in the second quarter he started getting closer to the free-throw line,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said of Gilgeous-Alexander.
After trailing by double digits in the first half, the Mavericks came out strong and made it a one-score game. Doncic felt his team was able to relax and respond.
“We were so close to one point, I think we relaxed a little bit,” Doncic said.
Kidd exited Game 1 with more than five minutes left in regulation, the Thunder leading 111-89, and was essentially on a night when Dallas shot 39% and committed an unusual 16 turnovers. It was as good as giving up.
One theme the Mavericks can reflect on is their ability to bounce back from losing Game 1 of the series under Kidd. The most recent example occurred in the first round of this year's playoff series against the LA Clippers, which they lost by 12 points.
“Yeah, I think that’s the nature of basketball,” Irving said. “Sometimes we get within one point or five points and then all of a sudden we start to crumble a little bit offensively and then defensively. We don't get enough stops and they… They were getting to the free-throw line, and they made one goal.'' You have to give them credit for a lot of tough threes. ”
Irving also acknowledged that the team struggled with the Thunder's pace and aggression. Oklahoma City is a young, athletic team that has repeatedly proven itself to be an indomitable team throughout the game and will require more effort from the Mavericks.
“We didn't play a lot of 50-50 basketball, so there's a lot of mistakes that we have to take responsibility for,” Irving said. “But while respecting them as an opponent, they are on their home floor, very confident and feel very comfortable. We have to continue to study the trends going into the game.” Yes, and that will be the most important thing.” ”
Game 2 of the series will be played Thursday at Paycom Center. The Mavericks will try to bounce back from the disappointing loss to avoid falling into a 0-2 series deficit.
“We just have to move on to the next game,” Doncic said. “I have to be better. We have to be better.”
read more: Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder to victory over Mavs in Game 1
read more: “The Thunder will win very easily”; Inside the Mavs vs. Thunder series in NBA preview
read more: Thunder's Dort will 'make everything difficult' against Mavs' Doncic
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