Thunder vs Mavericks recap: Luka Doncic, Dallas take 2-1 series lead in West semifinals
The No. 1-seeded OKC Thunder will travel to face the No. 5 Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
The best-of-seven series is tied at 1-1. Dallas earned a 119-110 road win in Game 2 on Thursday.
Here's what you need to know about the matchup:
More: Thunder-Mavericks takeaways: Luka Doncic leads charge to even up NBA playoff series vs OKC
Thunder vs. Mavericks live score updates
More: Luka Doncic embraces villain role as Mavericks topple Thunder, even up NBA playoff series
Final: Mavericks 105, Thunder 101 | Luka Doncic, Dallas take 2-1 series lead
OKC drops Game 3, 105-101. Thunder went 7 for 20 and 2 for 8 from 3 in the fourth quarter. Shai was 1 for 6 in that time. SGA finishes with 31-10-6 on 23 shots. PJ Washington, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic each with at least 22 points on at least 17 shots.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
More: OKC Thunder can't stop PJ Washington as Mavericks take control of NBA playoff series
1:32 left in 4Q: Mavericks 102, Thunder 99
Luka Doncic shaken up after collision with Lu Dort. Mavs ball.
More: Mussatto: OKC Thunder now in big trouble in NBA playoffs thanks to Mavericks' 16-0 run
End third quarter: Mavs 82, Thunder 78 | Jalen Williams exits game with ankle injury
Jalen Williams exited the third quarter at the 3:06 mark with a left ankle injury, which he sustained while fighting off a screen.
Williams went to the locker room for further evaluation. OKC trailed 74-70 at the time, but Dallas extended its lead to 82-78 entering the fourth quarter.
More: Jalen Williams injury: OKC Thunder forward exits Game 3 vs Mavericks in third quarter
5:15 left in 3Q: Mavericks 68, Thunder 65
Mavs on a run. PJ Washington still being a menace. Thunder lead — which was just 10 1:25 ago — down to two.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
Is Jalen Williams a closer just like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
Former Warriors executive Bob Myers just said on ABC's halftime show that OKC only has one closer. Friendly reminder that Jalen Williams ranked 27th in the NBA in regular-season clutch points (82) with a true shooting percentage of 80.2%.
—Justin Martinez, Staff writer
9:39 left in 3Q: Thunder 61, Mavericks 55 | OKC takes largest lead of Game 3
Interesting start to the half for Giddey. Hits a 3 at the top of the key, then next trip down Shai motions for Chet to get the ball to Giddey’s side. Giddey then drives past Gafford for a layup.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
How much has Josh Giddey played for Thunder vs Mavericks in Game 3?
For those tracking the Thunder rotation, Josh Giddey has played 8:01 tonight (1:48 in the 2nd). Gordon Hayward hasn't played. Kenrich Williams hasn't played either.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
Half: Thunder 52, Mavericks 51
Isaiah Joe has been an end-of-quarter killer. Late 3 puts OKC up 52-51 at half. Second quarter offense was fluid. Got notable shotmaking from Shai, JDub and Joe. Only uncharacteristic turnovers kept OKC from blowing the game open. Up to 52.6% from the field and 6/15 from 3.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
8:40 left in 2Q: Thunder 34, Mavericks 31 | Isaiah Joe gives OKC first lead
Isaiah Joe is 3-for-3 from the field for seven points in six minutes. OKC is on a 19-7 run.
—Jeff Patteron, Staff writer
End first quarter: Mavs 26, Thunder 23 | OKC weathers early storm in Game 3
Thunder trails 26-23 after 1. Been mostly Washington for Dallas. Been mostly Shai for OKC despite the coverage forcing him to hit the corners so often. Chet has been everything at the rim. Dallas is 8/15 on shots in the paint. OKC 3 for 10 from 3 after that Joe shot.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
1:42 left in 1Q: Mavericks 24, Thunder 17 | PJ Washington boosting Dallas
PJ Washington has been everything for Dallas. Ran thru him on the empty side post to start this game, now he’s just banging 3s and racking up putbacks. He’s got 11 points on 5-for-7 shooting.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
8:46 left 1Q: Mark Daigneault challenging Lu Dort foul on Luka Doncic
Mark Daigneault challenging that foul on Dort, which would be three Luka FTs. We’re three minutes into this game. Haven’t seen the replay, but would be brutal to lose one this early. But Dort seemed confident, as did Daigneault.
Ruling stands, challenge unsuccessful. That’s three straight games that OKC has lost its challenge in the first half. Dort having a discussion with the crew.
Mavericks lead 13-5.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
Ruling stands, challenge unsuccessful. That’s three straight games that OKC has lost its challenge in the first half. Dort having a discussion with the crew. https://t.co/ewoik7oe84 pic.twitter.com/8Xu93ajtuP
— Joel Lorenzi (@jxlorenzi) May 11, 2024
Jalen Williams wears 'Step Brothers' shirt of him, Jaylin Williams
Jalen Williams has caught a lot of attention for his wardrobe throughout the NBA playoffs, but the second-year Thunder forward was a little more low-key in Saturday's pregame attire.
Williams sported a shirt spoofing the 2008 Will Ferrell classic "Step Brothers" with Jaylin Williams taking the place of Ferrell and J-Dub super imposed over John C. Reilly.
—Jeff Patteron, Staff writer
Jalen Williams warming up with a Stepbrothers movie shirt of himself and JWill pic.twitter.com/fWFAplU7S4
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 11, 2024
Will Josh Giddey start for Thunder in Game 3?
Mark Daigneault declined to answer when asked Saturday before the game if Josh Giddey will be in the Thunder's starting lineup for Game 3.
Daigneault said he's never disclosed his starting lineup before the game, and he wasn't going to start Saturday.
Giddey was a minus-20 in Game 2 in a season-low 11 minutes.
Mavericks forward PJ Washington scored a playoff career-high 29 points against the Thunder in Game 2.
Before Game 3, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault was asked if Washington's performance caught the Thunder by surprise.
Daigneault pointed out that Washington has long been a Thunder killer.
"It felt like every shot went in when he was at Charlotte," Daigneault said.
—Joe Mussatto, Staff writer
More: Has Josh Giddey regressed in NBA playoffs? Mark Daigneault defends OKC Thunder guard
Luka Doncic injury status: Mavericks star will play in Game 3
Luka Doncic, listed as questionable (knee, ankle) going into Game 3, will play, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said before the game.
There was little doubt as to Doncic's availability, but now there's confirmation that Doncic is indeed a go.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd was asked before the game if Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren reminds Kidd of any player.
Kidd thought for a few seconds.
"Maybe Victor?"
Holmgren, even in the playoffs, can't escape the Victor Wembanyama comparison.
"I hope that doesn't offend him," said Kidd, drawing laughs.
Kidd also said he sees elements of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Holmgren.
—Joe Mussatto, Staff writer
More: What makes Thunder's Lu Dort impossible to screen? Mavericks must 'brace for the hit'
Thunder vs. Mavericks highlights
More: Mussatto: Thunder facing first true adversity in NBA playoffs after Game 2 loss to Mavs
OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks NBA playoffs Game 3 predictions
Justin Martinez, The Oklahoman
It took a lot for Dallas to steal Game 2 in OKC on Thursday.
The Mavericks shot 48.6% from deep. They got 29 points from P.J. Washington. They got what tied for a career playoff-high 11 assists from Kyrie Irving.
Dallas earned that win. But as long as OKC can get back on track defensively, it should be able to come out on top in Game 3.
Prediction: Thunder 112, Mavericks 109
More: What makes Thunder's Lu Dort impossible to screen? Mavericks must 'brace for the hit'
Game 3: How to watch OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks
Date: Saturday, May 11
Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
TV: ABC
Live Stream: Sling (watch for free)
More: Has Josh Giddey regressed in NBA playoffs? Mark Daigneault defends OKC Thunder guard
Injury report for OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks
OKC Thunder injury report
None
Dallas Mavericks injury report
Maxi Kleber (right shoulder sprain) is out. Olivier Maxence-Prosper (left ankle sprain) is out. Luka Doncic (right knee sprain and left ankle soreness) is questionable.
More: How OKC Thunder's Mark Daigneault ascended from UConn manager to NBA Coach of the Year
Projected OKC Thunder starting lineup
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6.2 APG)
Josh Giddey (12.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 4.8 APG)
Lu Dort (10.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.4 APG)
Jalen Williams (19.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.5 APG)
Chet Holmgren (16.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.4 APG)
More: Was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander snubbed in NBA MVP voting? Shaquille O'Neal thinks so
Projected Dallas Mavericks starting lineup
Luka Doncic (33.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 9.8 APG)
Kyrie Irving (25.6 PPG, 5 RPG, 5.2 APG)
Derrick Jones Jr. (8.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1 APG)
P.J. Washington (11.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.5 APG)
Daniel Gafford (11.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.6 APG)
More: At 16, Sam Presti wrote letter saying Celtics should draft Jason Kidd: 'He was right'
OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks playoff series schedule
Game 1: OKC 117, Dallas 95
Game 2: Dallas 119, OKC 110
Game 3: 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Dallas (ABC)
Game 4: 8:30 p.m. Monday in Dallas (TNT)
Game 5: 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, in OKC (TNT)
Game 6 (if necessary): 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18, in Dallas (ESPN)
Game 7 (if necessary): 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, in OKC (TNT)
More: Why is OKC Thunder playing deep rotations in NBA playoffs? Mark Daigneault explains
OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks regular-season series record
OKC won the regular-season series, 3-1.
More: Mussatto: Why Thunder vs Mavericks is the NBA rivalry we have longed for
OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks NBA playoffs Game 3 betting odds
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Saturday, May 11
Spread: Dallas (-2.5)
Over/under: 217.5
Moneyline: Dallas -145 | OKC +120
More: 2018 NBA Re-Draft: Would Luka Doncic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander go No. 1?
2024 NBA playoffs
First-round picks: Celtics vs Heat | Knicks vs 76ers | Bucks vs Pacers | Cavaliers vs Magic | Thunder vs Pelicans | Nuggets vs Lakers | Timberwolves vs Suns | Clippers vs Mavericks
Second-round picks: Thunder vs Mavericks | Nuggets vs Timberwolves | Celtics vs Cavaliers | Knicks vs Pacers
More: 2024 NBA playoffs: Complete schedule, bracket breakdown, how to watch
More OKC Thunder news
Mussatto: OKC Thunder at base of second mountain, ready for another climb up NBA ranks
Dawg pound: Why do Thunder players bark in postgame interviews? Jalen Williams explains
Mussatto: Fair or not, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be judged by Thunder success in NBA playoffs
Age is a number: Is OKC too young to win in playoffs? Here's what Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says
What to know: With Thunder back in NBA playoffs for first time since 2020, here are 4 things to know
NBA power rankings entering playoffs: Can OKC Thunder survive the West to reach finals?
Roster management: How Sam Presti put together OKC Thunder's 2023-24 NBA playoff team
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder falls to Mavericks in Game 3, trails 2-1 in NBA playoffs