Dallas Mavericks Game 3 Podcast: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving Clutch vs. OKC Thunder - 'Defense Wins Championships'
The Dallas Mavericks gutted out a physical 105-101 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday. P.J. Washington got things going on offense early in the game, finishing with a team-high 27 points, while Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving finished things off in the clutch on both ends of the floor.
With the win, the Mavs have put themselves in a great position to potentially take a commanding 3-1 series lead, with Game 4 being at American Airlines Center on Monday night.
On the latest Mavs Step Back Podcast, we give an extensive breakdown of everything that transpired in Game 3, including Washington stepping up big, Doncic ramping up his rebounds, OKC's "Hack-a-Lively" strategy that backfired, Irving's slow starts turning into epic finishes, and much more.
"It's basketball, man," Irving said about his coaching staff asking him to take control of the game a little earlier. "I think I've been able to learn that people sitting on the sidelines see different things, so I respect their opinion. But also, as a player, as a hooper who has seen numerous series, has been in a lot of different battles [and] who has failed at the highest level, reading the game is just as important as forcing yourself into things."
Irving's attention to detail on the defensive end of the floor in this series has arguably been more important than what he's capable of doing on offense. Although Irving is the smallest guy on the floor, he has great hands, lateral movement, and anticipation to make up for it. If the Mavs are going to win a championship, that high-level defensive effort will have to continue on a nightly basis.
"If my job is to play defense that night, then that is what I'm geared towards," Irving said. "I feel like that is what my intention is to get us a win. That is where it is going to be. It is not going to be trying to delegate my offensive prowess to force myself into the game. It is going to come. I feel like I am one of the most unguardable people in the world, just like the rest of my peers feel. It's just the confidence. But in the playoffs, you don't have time to wallow in the extra thoughts of offense, offense, offense.
With a big win in Game 3, the Mavs are one step closer to their ultimate goal, but they also know they haven't accomplished anything yet. Stay tuned to DallasBasketball.com and our Mavs Step Back Podcast for more Mavs playoff coverage throughout the weekend.
