In the seventh game of the Western Conference finals, the Dallas Mavericks had their backs against the wall against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Mavericks were trailing by 17 points but they found a way to bounce back as they registered a thrilling 117-116 win on Saturday night.
Luka Doncic scored 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists for his fourth triple-double this postseason and played a key role in his team’s win.
“Being down 17 in a closeout game isn’t a position you want to be in,” said Irving, who is now 14-0 in such games and will play in the conference finals for the first time since 2017 with Cleveland. “But that’s where we found ourselves. We had to respond the way we’ve been responding all season.”
Meanwhile, P.J. Washington was fouled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on a 3-point attempt after the Thunder was leading at 116-115 at the fag end of the game.
“Obviously if I had the moment back I wouldn’t have fouled him,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, who had a playoff career high with 36 points. “I would have just let him miss the shot. You wish you would take the moment back. Just have to learn from it, and I will.”
Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault reflected on the last few seconds of the game.
“If it was a clear-as-day foul, I obviously wouldn’t have challenged it and held the timeout,” Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said. “Even if you advance the ball with 2.5 seconds at a deficit, your chances are very low.”
Irving and Derrick Jones Jr. scored 22 points each for the Dallas Mavericks.
“It wasn’t Luka or Kai making the game-winner,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “It was the trust of Luka and the ball touches the paint, they collapse, he trusted P.J. We find a way to win.”
Doncic said they stayed positive and got the desired result despite being behind the game.
“I think we just stay together,” Doncic said. “We always talk on the bench, stay together, positive energy. And today was a good example of it.”
The Mavericks will face either the Denver Nuggets or the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals.
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