The unblemished record of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been tarnished after a fierce battle against the Dallas Mavericks, who emerged victorious with a 119-110 scoreline in the playoff contest. The Thunder's struggle from the three-point line contrasted sharply with their previous sharpshooting displays, ultimately contributing to their downfall.

Shai Shines Despite Thunder's Loss

Despite the setback, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to showcase his prowess, amassing 33 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. His stellar performance, coupled with a commendable effort from Jalen Williams, who added 20 points, was not enough to secure a win for the Thunder. On the Mavericks' side, Luka Doncic and P.J. Washington proved to be a dynamic duo, combining for a staggering 58 points, which anchored the Mavericks' triumph. Kyrie Irving, although scoring only nine points, dished out 11 assists, displaying a level of playmaking that kept the Mavericks' offense in high gear.

Early Deficit and Missed Chances

The Thunder's night started on a sour note, quickly falling into a 13-2 hole. However, they managed to claw back into contention, thanks in part to a spectacular block from Holmgren. Despite trailing by just four points at the end of the first quarter, the Thunder couldn't capitalize on their momentum. The Mavericks' scoring prowess was on full display as they outscored Oklahoma City, leaving the Thunder with a six-point halftime deficit.

Thunder's Comeback Thwarted in the Fourth

As the game progressed, the Thunder remained within striking distance but were unable to seize control. Heading into the final quarter with a 10-point gap, Oklahoma City's offense faltered, particularly from beyond the arc, where they had previously excelled. A series of costly errors and missed opportunities sealed their fate, leveling the series and setting the stage for a pivotal showdown in Dallas come Saturday.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova