P.J. Washington's Free Throws Finish Rally as Mavs Beat Thunder 117-116 to Reach West Finals
Washington's free throw rally ends; the Mavericks defeat the Thunder 117-116, securing entry into the Western Finals.
Kyrie Irving's unbeaten streak in closeout games faced a formidable test as the Dallas Mavericks clashed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, Irving's streak remained intact as the Mavericks staged a remarkable comeback, securing a 117-116 victory and advancing to the Western Conference semifinals.
P.J. Washington Jr. played a pivotal role in sealing the win, sinking two crucial free throws before deliberately missing one with 2.5 seconds left. This strategic move helped the Mavericks overcome a daunting 17-point deficit in the second half, showcasing their resilience and determination.
The Mavericks' triumph marked their second appearance in the Western Conference semifinals in three seasons, highlighting their consistency and competitiveness in the playoffs. They clinched the series in Game 6, replicating their success from the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Despite trailing by 17 points early in the third quarter and facing a nine-point deficit in the final period, the Mavericks refused to concede defeat. Their tenacity paid off as they now await the winner of the Denver-Minnesota matchup for the West finals, set to commence on Wednesday night.
Irving, with an impressive record of 14-0 in closeout games, expressed satisfaction with the team's response to adversity. He emphasized the Mavericks' resilience throughout the season, which proved crucial in overcoming challenging situations like the one encountered against the Thunder.
The game's decisive moment came when Washington drew a foul from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on a crucial 3-point attempt. Despite Gilgeous-Alexander's playoff career-high performance of 36 points, his foul on Washington proved costly, ultimately sealing the Thunder's fate.
Reflecting on his decision to foul, Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the missed opportunity and vowed to learn from it. While the Thunder challenged the call, replay footage confirmed the foul, leaving them to rue missed chances in a tightly contested game.
The Mavericks' victory not only extends Irving's remarkable streak but also underscores their championship aspirations. With Luka Doncic's stellar performance contributing to his fourth triple-double of the postseason, the Mavericks look poised to make a deep playoff run, fueled by their resilience and collective determination.
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