NBA Playoffs 2016: Oklahoma Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks Game 3 Preview
The Playoff series between third-seeded Oklahoma Thunder and number six-ranked Dallas Mavericks has evened out, as both teams are now tied 1-1.
The third game is slated to take place on Thursday, April 21st, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
The first game took place last Saturday, April 16th, with the Thunder emerging victorious with a final score of 108-70. Their victory was attributed to the combined efforts of superstars Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant.
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Westbrook led the team in scoring, as he ended the contest with 24 points, along with five rebounds and 11 assists, shooting 7 out of 15 from the field, through 29 minutes of playing time.
Durant, on the other hand, finished the game with 23 points, five rebounds and five assists, shooting 7 out of 15 from the field, through 26 minutes of playing time.
In the second game last Monday, April 18th, the Mavericks narrowly edged the Thunder, as they ended the game with a final score of 85-84. Dallas' team effort to contain the Thunder's scoring runs helped them earn the victory.
In a report by NBA.com, Oklahoma was held to a mere 33.7% field goal shooting. Superstar forward Kevin Durant did end the night with 21 points and nine rebounds, but also struggled from the field, shooting 7 out of 33.
For the Mavericks, it was point guard Raymond Felton who came up big for his team, scoring 21 points, along with 11 rebounds, and three assists, shooting 8 out of 16 from the field, through 41 minutes of playing time.
Veteran forward Dirk Nowitzki also contributed significant numbers, scoring 17 points, along with four rebounds, shooting 7 out of 19 from the field, through 37 minutes of playing time.
Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle was simply proud of how his team played.
"It's a group with a lot of pride, and obviously, a lot of resilience," he said.
Dallas also outrebounded the Thunder, logging in a total of 54, as opposed to the latter's 45.
