The Dallas Mavericks bounced back in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal against the Oklahoma City Thunder, securing a gritty 119-110 victory at the Paycom Center to level the series at one game each.

Following a tough loss in Game 1, this win marks a crucial turning point for the Mavericks, allowing them to reclaim home-court advantage as they head back to Dallas.

P.J. Washington showcased his offensive prowess, scoring 29 points with an impressive 7-of-11 from beyond the arc, alongside 11 rebounds and two steals. Luka Dončić, despite battling noticeable discomfort, contributed significantly with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, particularly shining in the clutch moments to help secure the win.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 33 points, also contributing 12 rebounds and eight assists in the Thunder’s defeat.

Here are six key statistics that illustrate how the Mavericks evened the series as it shifts to Dallas.

5: Consecutive 3-Pointers to Kick Off the Game

In a remarkable turnaround from their earlier playoff struggles with 3-point shooting, the Mavericks opened the game by sinking their first five attempts from beyond the arc.

Luka Dončić and P.J. Washington both hit their first three shots from deep, showcasing their early offensive firepower.

Dončić’s third 3-pointer put Dallas ahead 27-22 with 4:33 remaining in the first quarter.

He finished the opening period with 16 points and six rebounds, shooting 4-of-5 from 3-point range his highest-scoring quarter of this playoff season.

Washington’s third three-pointer followed shortly after, extending the Mavs’ lead to 32-22 during a 3:30 stretch where the Thunder struggled to score. Dallas finished the first quarter shooting an impressive 8-of-13 from beyond the arc, while Oklahoma City managed only 2-of-7.

Chet Holmgren’s turnaround jumper at the buzzer brought the Thunder to within three points, ending the first quarter at 36-33 in favor of the Mavs. Overall, Dallas shot 18-for-37 (48.6%) from long range in the victory.

19: P.J. Washington’s Scoring Surge in the First Half

P.J. Washington continued his scoring spree into the second quarter. After missing two early 3-point attempts, he found his rhythm, hitting two consecutive threes during a 14-2 run that expanded the Mavericks’ lead to 52-39 with 6:40 left before halftime.

By the end of the first half, Washington had accumulated 19 points and five rebounds, achieving a personal playoff best with his 5-of-8 shooting from 3-point range.

He went on to add another 10 points in the second half, solidifying his impactful performance.

7-of-11: Washington’s Stellar 3-Point Shooting

P.J. Washington continued his impressive performance into the second half, knocking down both of his 3-point attempts in the third quarter.

His first three-pointer tied the game at 75-75 with 8:36 remaining, while his second pushed Dallas to a seemingly comfortable 93-81 lead with 2:44 left in the quarter.

Washington fouled out with 2:12 remaining in the fourth after a tip-in by Chet Holmgren, narrowing the Mavericks’ lead to 117-108.

His seven 3-pointers, especially in a game where the Thunder underestimated his shooting ability, were crucial to the Mavericks’ victory in Game 2.

3: Josh Green’s Key Contributions

Keep an eye on Josh Green, who has quietly emerged as a vital contributor with six 3-pointers across the first two games of the series.

After missing his initial shot on Thursday, he rebounded with three consecutive makes, including two critical shots during the minutes when Luka Dončić was resting, helping to stabilize the Mavericks’ offense.

His third three-pointer, assisted by Kyrie Irving, came midway through the third quarter and restored the Mavs’ lead at 80-77 after they had briefly fallen behind. Green concluded the game with 11 points, hitting 3 of 5 from three-point range.

If the Mavericks can rely on consistent performances from the often-injured backup, his contributions could significantly enhance their offensive potency.

19-10: Dallas’ Scoring Surge to Conclude the Third Quarter

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to pressure the Mavericks with his mid-range play, nailing a driving floater at 5:06 left in the third to narrow the gap to 80-79.

However, Dallas answered decisively, outscoring Oklahoma City 19-10 to finish the quarter strong, even with Luka Dončić on the bench.

Tim Hardaway Jr. was instrumental during this stretch, contributing 10 consecutive points, including a three-pointer assisted by Kyrie Irving that extended the Mavericks’ lead to 90-79 with 3:41 remaining in the frame.

As the quarter ended, Dallas held a 99-89 advantage heading into the final period. Hardaway ended the game with 17 points, shooting 6-of-10 off the bench.

1-of-11: Thunder’s Frigid Fourth Quarter

The Mavericks effectively sealed their victory in the fourth quarter, during which the Thunder struggled, making just 1-of-11 field goal attempts over a span of more than four minutes.

While Dallas didn’t execute a massive offensive run to completely put the game out of reach, they managed to consume significant clock time, complicating any hopes for a Thunder comeback.

From 8:19 to 3:58 remaining in the game, Oklahoma City managed only one basket a reverse layup by Gilgeous-Alexander at 7:11.

Although the Mavericks weren’t particularly explosive offensively during this stretch, they did enough to maintain their lead and keep the Thunder at bay as the game wound down.

FAQs About Player Stats from the Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Match

1. Who led the Mavericks in scoring during the game?

Luka Dončić was the top scorer for the Mavericks, contributing significantly to the team’s offense with a high point total that highlighted his impact on the game.

2. How did P.J. Washington perform in terms of 3-point shooting?

P.J. Washington had an outstanding night, making several key 3-pointers that played a crucial role in the Mavericks’ success. His accuracy from beyond the arc was instrumental in building the team’s lead.

3. What were Tim Hardaway Jr.’s contributions off the bench?

Tim Hardaway Jr. provided a vital scoring boost off the bench, notably scoring in quick succession during critical moments of the game, which helped maintain the Mavericks’ momentum.

4. How did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander perform for the Thunder?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a standout for the Thunder, leading his team in points and demonstrating strong playmaking abilities, especially in the mid-range area.

5. Did any players have a particularly good rebounding game?

Both Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased their versatility by contributing significantly in rebounds, helping their teams control the boards throughout the match.

6. What impact did the Mavericks’ defense have on the Thunder’s shooting percentage?

The Mavericks’ defense played a key role in limiting the Thunder’s shooting opportunities, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they struggled to convert their shots, leading to a low shooting percentage during that stretch.

7. Were there any notable assists or playmaking stats?

Kyrie Irving was pivotal in facilitating the Mavericks’ offense, delivering several assists that helped create open shots for teammates, including crucial 3-pointers during the game.

8. How did the overall team shooting percentages compare between the two teams?

The Mavericks had a more efficient shooting night, especially from 3-point range, compared to the Thunder, who faced challenges in converting their shots during key moments of the game.

9. Were there any players who had a high number of turnovers?

Yes, both teams had players who struggled with ball control, resulting in turnovers that affected their offensive flow, particularly during critical phases of the game.

10. How did the bench players contribute to the overall team performance?

The Mavericks’ bench, particularly Tim Hardaway Jr., made significant contributions, providing scoring and energy that helped the team maintain its lead, while the Thunder’s bench had mixed results in terms of impact.