In Dallas, while the names Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving usually steal the spotlight, P.J. Washington emerged as a pivotal player, not once, but twice. Fresh off an impressive performance in Game 2, Washington continued his dominance in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals, contributing 27 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 105-101 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Despite lacking the superstar status of his teammates, Washington's impact was undeniable. From a thunderous dunk over Chet Holmgren to crucial 3-pointers and rebounds during a game-changing 16-0 run in the third quarter, Washington's presence was felt throughout the game.
Even Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged Washington's prowess, recalling his impressive performances back in Charlotte. Washington's confidence in his shots and his ability to seize the moment were evident, as he expressed his joy in contributing to his team's success.
With Dallas now 4-2 in postseason games where Washington scores 20 points or more, it's clear that his contributions are key to their success in the playoffs.
Dallas asserts control in the paint.
Despite only outrebounding OKC by a margin of seven boards, the Mavericks dominated their opponents on the offensive glass with a tally of 15 compared to OKC's six. This led to Dallas securing 10 more field goal attempts than the Thunder and outscoring them 16-9 in second-chance points. Additionally, the Mavericks asserted a significant 52-38 scoring advantage in the paint, shooting at a 51% accuracy and attempting seven more shots from that area.
Dallas entered the series with a clear size advantage, bolstered by players like the 6-foot-7 Doncic, who contributed 15 rebounds alongside his 22 points.
According to Washington, the outcome of the rebounding battle holds substantial importance in determining game results, emphasizing the necessity for his team to consistently showcase their size advantage and determination.
While Holmgren led OKC with eight rebounds, the team's effort couldn't match up against the Mavericks, who had five players pulling down at least five boards each.
In terms of offensive rebounds per game, OKC ranked 12th among the 16 playoff teams, while Dallas held the fourth position. Across these playoffs, teams winning the rebounding battle have boasted an impressive record of 42-11.
Second-half Kyrie is real.
In Game 3, Irving showcased his scoring prowess, particularly in the second half where he amassed 14 of his 22 points. Meanwhile, Washington and Doncic ignited Dallas' offense in the opening half, contributing 19 and 14 points respectively.
Irving's performance became pivotal as he led the Mavericks to victory. Despite a modest 2-for-6 shooting in the third quarter, he turned up the heat in the final frame, connecting on all four of his attempts and finishing with a team-leading seven assists.
Reflecting on his performance, Irving acknowledged being urged by a coach not to delay his impact. Throughout the playoffs, Irving has been a force in the second half of home games, averaging 21.3 points with impressive shooting percentages from the field, 3-point range, and the free-throw line.
In the fourth quarter of postseason games, Irving maintains a high level of efficiency, shooting over 53% from the floor and beyond the arc, while averaging 8.1 points.
Together, Irving, Doncic, and Washington contributed to 67.6% of Dallas' scoring in Game 3, marking the first occurrence since 2007 where three Mavericks starters each produced at least 22 points in a single game.
Josh Giddey remained in the starting lineup.
Despite a rocky start to the series, Giddey maintained his starting position for Game 3. In the previous two games, he struggled, registering a minus-20 in just 11 minutes in Game 2 and playing 17 minutes in Game 1. However, Coach Mark Daigneault expressed confidence in the 21-year-old by retaining him in the starting lineup for Game 3. Although Giddey played only 13 minutes in Game 3, he finished with a minus-1, the second-best among Thunder starters.
Giddey managed to score nine points on 4-for-8 shooting in Game 3, but it's notable that three reserves - Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, and Isaiah Joe - logged more minutes than him. Despite his consistent starting role, there's a possibility that Giddey's playing time could decrease further.
Giddey's struggles as a shot-maker and defensive liability against players like Doncic and Irving have been evident. Although adjustments have been attempted within the system, they haven't yielded significant improvements.
Notably, OKC's record falls to 0-3 in these playoffs when they concede 100 points or more.
Luka Doncic: ‘We didn’t do anything yet.
In what was the most physically demanding game of the series, Doncic faced relentless defense from Lu Dort, renowned for his defensive prowess. When asked about the Mavericks' chances in the competitive Western Conference, Doncic expressed his unwavering belief in his team's ability to contend, emphasizing the need to maintain focus and perseverance.
While Dallas holds just a one-game lead, they enter Game 4 with momentum on their side. Their dominance at home throughout the postseason, losing only once, coupled with a strong recent record at the American Airlines Center, underscores their formidable presence.
Conversely, OKC has stumbled with consecutive losses after an impressive 5-0 start to the playoffs. Their struggles when conceding 100 points or more, coupled with a modest record following defeats, highlight the challenges they face.
On a positive note, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another stellar performance with his second consecutive 30-10-5 outing, showcasing his versatility and impact. Additionally, both SGA and Holmgren's impressive shot-blocking displays in Game 3 marked a significant milestone, reminiscent of past achievements by players like Steven Adams and Serge Ibaka.
As Holmgren aptly summed it up, the series is marked by intense competitiveness, with both teams displaying a relentless desire to succeed.
