OKLAHOMA CITY – Here are five thoughts on the Mavericks' 117-95 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. Dallas committed 15 turnovers, six of which occurred in the first quarter.
“You can't turn the ball over against them, and we did that in the first game.” [quarter] Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said after the game.
Battle of MVP candidates
One of the major storylines going into Game 1 was the matchup between Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, two of the three finalists for the NBA Most Valuable Player Award.
Gilgeous-Alexander had 29 points, nine rebounds and nine assists for the Thunder while making his living at the free throw line. He was aggressive with his drives into the paint, drawing contact early and often. He made 11 of his 13 free throw attempts in the first half, two fewer than the Mavericks' total of 13 in the first half. Thunder fans at Paycom Center shouted “MVP,” the same chant Doncic hears every night at American Airlines Center. – Every time Gilgeous-Alexander steps up to the line.
Dallas' starting frontcourt of P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Derrick Jones Jr. found themselves in foul trouble as a result of Gilgeous-Alexander's aggressive attack in the paint.
“I thought we did a really good job against him, but then he started getting closer to the free-throw line in the second.” [quarter]” Kidd said. “He understands how to get to the free-throw line. Early on, I thought we did a really good job in terms of contesting shots. That's why he's not the MVP of this league, He's one of the MVPs. He's not going to settle.”
Doncic finished with 19 points, six rebounds and nine assists, although he is still suffering from a sore right knee. His 3-point struggles in the Clippers series carried over into Tuesday's game as he went 1-of-8, part of a brutal 6-of-19 overall.
Doncic struggled to find a rhythm on offense. Thunder defensive specialist Luguentz Dort played a key role in making Doncic uncomfortable, but one can't help but wonder if Doncic's right knee is having trouble lifting on offense.
“Who cares? We lost,” Doncic said about the night of the shooting. “We just move on to the next goal. We've got to get better. We've got to get better. … They're a great defensive team, so it's never easy. We played for 48 minutes. We have to play very good basketball and focused basketball.”
Irving's first quarter woes continue
Kyrie Irving's first quarter struggles carried over into the Thunder series. He committed four turnovers during this period and was held scoreless for the fourth time in these playoffs.
But it didn't take long for Irving to find his rhythm in the second half, as he has many times throughout the postseason. He helped the Mavericks overcome a late deficit in the third quarter with two triples, including one as time expired, and finished with 20 points. The Mavs need Irving's offensive power, especially if Doncic is limited by the Thunder's defense and a knee injury.
Return of Gafford
Every playoff series is matchup specific. That was evident from Gafford's productive night in Game 1. His appearance in the Clippers series was limited due to the physicality of the Los Angeles big man. That wasn't the case Tuesday.
The Mavericks center had 16 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks, making a big impact on both ends of the floor. Gafford had a size advantage over Chet Holmgren, giving him more opportunities to post up the Thunder's rookie big man. He also used his athleticism not only offensively, but also to block and deny shots in the paint.
Holmgren continued to assert himself in Oklahoma City, recording 19 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. Dallas will need a few more performances like Gafford's to have a chance in this series.
Green's first quarter is positive
Josh Green provided energy and hustle for the Mavs in the first round against the Clippers, but struggled with his 3-point shooting. The fourth-year guard showed off his early scoring punch in the first quarter of Game 1 against the Thunder. Green took advantage of the Thunder's tendency to give up open corner 3-pointers and made them pay the price by sinking two from each side of the floor in the first quarter.
In the third quarter, with the Thunder gaining ground, Green hit his third triple of the night. The Mavericks need as many players as possible outside of their two superstars to score, so 3-of-8 from beyond the arc will serve Green well. If Green can continue to shoot the ball with confidence, Oklahoma City will think twice about keeping him open.
hardaway is coming back
Tim Hardaway Jr. returned to the Mavericks' lineup on Tuesday after missing the last four games with an ankle sprain. He started in the second quarter and scored on his entrance when Doncic cut into the basket and found an easy layup. That moment was the highlight of his night, as he missed all four 3-pointers and struggled the rest of the way. Rust could have contributed, especially in the 17-minute game, but he will need to be more efficient going forward.
Further coverage of Game 1
— With Luka Doncic a step behind, the Mavericks look to continue the troubling trend from Game 1 against the Thunder.
— 5 Thoughts on Mavericks vs. Thunder: Pathetic shooting night dooms Dallas in Game 1 vs. OKC
— FULL COVERAGE: Mavericks ran out of answers in Game 1, falling behind Thunder in West semifinals
— NBA warns fans after apparent exchange with Kyrie Irving during Game 1 between Mavs and Thunder
