Doncic, Mavs Seek Momentum-Building Game 3 Win Over Thunder: NBA Playoff Preview

DALLAS - Following the 119-110 Game 2 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, one thing is sure: the Dallas Mavericks have a legitimate shot at reaching the Western Conference Finals. 

As proof? Typically, if Kyrie Irving finishes with nine points, the Mavericks likely lose. This team, however, is not your Luka Doncic era of old, though, as it's the most complete group since No. 77 donned a Dallas jersey. 

For the first time since the 2024 postseason commenced, Doncic finally saw the ball go through the rim at an efficient rate, which led to a semi-firm cushion throughout the first half. Doncic finished 11-21 in field goals and 5-8 on three-point shots; as evidenced by the shot attempts, few, if any, shots were forced.

While Doncic's seemingly rejuvenated three-point shooting is immensely key to Dallas' chances, maybe more critical to the team's success is P.J. Washington Jr.'s 29-point performance, which opened up the floodgates for the other role players in Game 2. 

Mavs head coach Jason Kidd pointed out Washington Jr.'s much-needed aggressiveness: "Being able not to wait for Ky and Luka to bring the ball up, and be aggressive and play-making ... really good.''

When Kidd says you did well in the play-making department, it might as well come with an official stamp. While it's one thing for role players to make a splash in front of home fans, seeing such results on the road spells excellent things for the Mavs. 

Dallas can build on its from-the-top-down performance by utilizing more pieces on the chess board in a friendlier environment for Game 3 but don't expect the Thunder to oblige so easily. 

Mavericks vs. Thunder Injury Report

Oklahoma City Thunder

N/A

Dallas Mavericks

• Luka Doncic (QUESTIONABLE - right knee; left ankle)
• Maxi Kleber (OUT - right shoulder)
• Olivier-Maxence Prosper (OUT - left ankle)

WHERE: American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX)

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 2:30 p.m. CT

TV: ABC

ODDS: The Mavs are three-point favorites over the Thunder in Game 3.

Final Word: A Ringer writer published what read as a hit piece directed at Luka Doncic following the Mavs' Game 1 loss to the Thunder. The Ringer writer sourced an anonymous assistant coach, with the unnamed individual pointing fingers at the five-time All-NBA star. 

Frankly, it was bizarre to publish such a piece before the series ended, and considering the writer's accolades and golden reputation, the article, not the subject of said piece, comes out looking worse for wear. While Doncic is at fault for a few things in his game and attitude, accusing No. 77 of being a lousy teammate misses the mark by a large margin.