Mavericks hold off fourth quarter rally by Thunder to win game 5 in OKC, 104-92

On top of Doncic’s greatness, the Mavericks’ stingy defense prevented Oklahoma City from getting the necessary scoring to support Shai Gilgeous-Alexander production’s | Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas’ strong second period helped secure a lead that provided it enough cushion for its third win of the series

The Dallas Mavericks won each of the first three quarters, and staged a mini-run at the start of the final period to provide enough of a margin to take the crucial Game 5 in Oklahoma City tonight. Luka Doncic’s third career playoff triple-double reflected his offensive brilliance (equal parts strong shooting and smart playmaking), and he also committed to focus on his great play rather than being distracted by referees. The victorious Mavericks shot 53% from the field and 40% from three to keep the Thunder perpetually on their heels throughout.

Dallas’ star duo of Doncic (31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists) and Kyrie Irving (12 points and 4 assists) were consistently present in the early and late moments moreso than in Game 4. The Mavericks received an unexpected scoring source in the first half tonight in Derrick Jones, Jr. (19 points, 3-5 from three). PJ Washington (10 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists) provided a needed boost in the fourth period.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds) was singularly excellent for Oklahoma City with no other contributors getting into double-digits until that exciting fourth quarter. Jalen Williams (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals) struggled to impact the game until late, while Lu Dort (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Josh Giddey (11 points and 3 rebounds) chipped in during the home defeat.

From the onset, Dallas’ Doncic and Irving were intent on attacking deep into the paint. The Thunder, with six different players making field goals, found a comfortable balance around their starters to stay close with the Mavericks. Jones, Jr. found offensive success at multiple levels to get 10 quick points, but the Thunder had higher accuracy from distance. Dallas left the frame up two.

In a second period with few stoppages in the action, Dallas’ transition offense and intentional seeking out of its big for lobs and interior passes helped it go up by 13. After a brief run by OKC, the Mavericks answered emphatically and a Doncic three pushed the advantage out to 15. Gilgeous-Alexander sought out his own offense to help close his team’s gap, and yet, Dallas headed into the break up 54-44.

At the start of hte third, Dallas received a significant boost from its bigs, Washington and Gafford, to give its stars a little bit of rest at the offensive end. The deep right corner became the Mavericks’ friend, as they maintained a stranglehold of their lead. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 14 points in the stanza still was not enough – given that his teammates consistently misssed open jumpers – to help his team win a quarter in the game and the Thunder went into the fourth down 69-81.

Observations

There’s still likely two more games to this matchup, but it seems like Dallas is the worthier foe that could challenge the Nuggets over a full series.
Doncic and Jokic are the two players where I expect anything they throw up in the paint to either go in or draw a foul. Gilgeous-Alexander is riiiiiiigghhhht there.
Ian Eagle’s quippy lexicon reminds me of the retired NHL play-by-play voice “Doc” Mike Emrick.
Can’t believe Irving is 32 years old!
I never tire of typing ‘Gilgeous-Alexander.’ It’s definitely more fun than Jonas Valanciunas.
During the between-quarters interview, Thunder Head Coach Mark Daigneault seemed a little too calm and collected for an important occasion like Game 5.
If the Spurs can get Wemby a fraction of the lob action that Dallas generates with Washington, Dereck Lively (11 points and 10 rebounds), and Jones, Jr…..
The Thunder made their first three buckets from the tipoff. Isaiah Joe and Holmgren, in particular, were assertive in finding their own offense. Irving converted his usual difficult lay-up and found a diving Jones, Jr. for the first of his several important buckets tonight. The teams matched 3-pointers over the middle part of the frame. The fast and furious action yielded a 24-22 result after one for the Mavericks.
The teams’ superior ball movement resulted in open threes. Lively continued the Dallas lob party off a wonderful feed from Doncic. OKC’s offense stalled out and the Mavericks took lightning quick advantage to extend its lead. After a 6-0 Thunder run, Jones, Jr., was as Eagle described it, “tickling the clouds” for yet another lob dunk. A Williams (Jalen) driving dunk was reminiscent of Russell Westbrook’s violent forays to the rim. However, Dallas went into the half up 54-44.
Coming back from the break, the track meet continued between the teams. A pair of Gafford and Washington, Jr. baskets staked the Mavericks out to a 14-point lead. Gilgeous-Alexander responded with a pair of his own makes. Despite the extended period of fireworks on both sides, OKC was not able to shave into the deficit much. Dallas repeatedly used its actions to find open shooters in the right corner. An Aaron Wiggons steal and transition lay-up brought the Thunder within ten, but Dallas exited the third up a dozen.
Williams (Jalen) asserted himself to start the fourth, but the Mavericks coolly responded while pushing their advantage our further. A second chance opportunity resulted in a straightaway three from Doncic to make it 89-71. A pair of threes from Gilgeous-Alexander and Dort along with a Chet Holmgren dunk brought OKC within ten again. Another thunderous Holmgren dunk was answered by a Washington corner three. Washington’s next three was blocked, but he scooped the carom up and dunked it. After several Doncic misses, OKC was not able to capitalize and get closer. Jones, Jr. blocked Holmgren’s attempt and soared for a game-clinching transition dunk at the other end.