One of the most anticipated series of the second round in the 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs is the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Dallas Mavericks. Both teams have their own star players. The Thunder are led by superstar guard Shai Giligeous-Alexander, accompanied with upcoming star center Chet Holmgren and forward Jalen Williams. They currently hold the one seed in the western conference steamrolling past the Zion Williamson led New Orleans Pelicans in a decisive sweep.
The Mavericks on the other hand have more talent within their roster. The Mavericks are set, having a superstar guard duo of former Rookie of the Year and 2023 All-NBA player Luka Doncic, and fellow former Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving. Their depth doesn’t stop there however, having a talented center in Daniel Gafford, who is currently averaging 11 points and seven rebounds on the season. As well as forward PJ Washington, averaging 11 points, six rebounds, and one steal himself.
The series kicked off on May 7, and began with the tension that everyone expected. The first quarter ended in a tie, both teams scoring 23. The Thunder, led by astounding defense from center Chet Holmgren, began to pull away in the second quarter scoring 39 to the Mavericks 30. From there on, the Thunder found their rhythm and kept to it. Holding the Mavericks to only 16 in the fourth quarter, the Oklahoma City Thunder made a statement winning 117-95. This win is mainly credited to the big man, Chet Holmgren. He is the anchor for the Thunder defense, and with him developing so many stops on defense, Shai Giligeous-Alexander was able to score 29 points in their win.
In game two, the Mavericks were ready to bounce back and get their first win of the series. And that is exactly what they ended up doing. Scoring more than the Thunder in every quarter except the fourth, the Mavericks took game two 119-110. P.J Washington had an outburst in this game, scoring 29 points with 11 rebounds alongside Luka Doncic, who had 29 points and 10 rebounds. Although Gilgeous-Alexander tried rallying his team together, scoring 33 points, their defense wasn’t able to stop this duo.
With the series tied at one, game three was very important. After such a dominant offensive performance by the Mavericks, they had found their footing and kept the ball rolling. In game three, P.J Washington did it again. Scoring 27 points, while Luka and Kyrie did what they do best, scoring 22 themselves. The Thunder had no response for the back-court duo, or Washington. Giligeous-Alexander dropping another 31 points couldn’t save them sadly, as they had no defense throughout games two and three in the series.
In game four, the Thunder finally caught on to how to stop the Mavericks’ momentum. Prioritizing defense more than offense, they were able to silence Irving in this game. For Washington and Luka, they both still had decent games. Washington scored 21, playing as good as he had throughout the entire series. Luka on the other hand was held to 18, which for him is a low amount. Giligeous-Alexander continued to perform, scoring 34 points on eight rebounds. Holmgren found himself again as well, holding Gafford to only 10 points while having 18 himself.
The series found its-self tied at two, nobody knew where game five could’ve gone. The first quarter was very close, ending with the score of 24-22 in favor of the Mavericks. The Mavericks continued their streak, scoring 30 in the second quarter against the Thunder’s 22. After that, the Thunder couldn’t capitalize on defensive opportunities presented to them. The Mavericks, led by Doncic and his 31 points, took game five over the Thunder 104-92.
The Series has been going back and forth, but now there is an elimination opportunity presented for the Mavericks. Will they be able to eliminate the Thunder in game six?
