DALLAS — In a dramatic and hard-fought series, the Dallas Mavericks triumphed over the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 117-116 in a thrilling Game 6 on Saturday night. This victory propels the Mavericks into the Western Conference finals for the second time in three seasons, once again led by the exceptional Luka Doncic.
One guy can’t get you there. You need a team. Right now, he’s got a team that he believes in.
Jason Kidd
Key Moments and Standout Performances
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 51 points and 13 assists, spearheading the Mavericks’ comeback from a 17-point deficit in the second half. Doncic, despite dealing with injuries, recorded his third consecutive triple-double of the playoffs with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
The Mavericks’ supporting cast played crucial roles in the victory. P.J. Washington, acquired at the trade deadline, made the winning free throw with 2.5 seconds remaining. Derrick Jones Jr. scored 22 points and played tough defense against Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, while rookie center Dereck Lively II dominated the boards with 12 points and 15 rebounds.
Coaches’ Reactions
Both coaches praised their teams’ resilience and mental toughness. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd highlighted the importance of team effort, noting that one player alone cannot achieve such success. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the difficulty of withstanding a 30-0 run yet commended his team’s fortitude.
Post-Game Reflections
Doncic, who managed to perform despite a sprained knee and sore ankle, emphasized the significance of winning the series. “We won the series. That’s what matters in the end,” he said. Irving, who scored 22 points in Game 6, expressed his admiration for his teammates’ willingness to sacrifice and compete, noting his perfect 14-0 record in series-clinching games.
Irving, who provided critical leadership and scored 22 points in Game 6, expressed his admiration for his teammates’ willingness to sacrifice and compete. His 14-0 record in series-clinching games underscores his value in high-pressure situations.
Future Prospects
The Mavericks’ victory sets them up for a Western Conference finals showdown against the winner of Sunday’s Game 7 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the defending champion Denver Nuggets. The series will start on Tuesday night, with Dallas hitting the road for the first game.
For more detailed postgame analysis and reactions, you can check out the Postgame Show on News 9 and WFAA’s game recap for comprehensive coverage.
This thrilling series has demonstrated the Mavericks’ resilience and determination, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting Western Conference finals.
