The Dallas Mavericks moved one win away from the Western Conference Finals after a gritty 104-92 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 on Wednesday. Luka Doncic delivered a masterful 31-point triple-double to put his team on the brink of advancing. The Mavericks can now close out the best-of-seven series at home in Game 6 on Saturday night.
Doncic joined elite company, tying LeBron James for the second-most 30-point triple-doubles in the playoffs by a player 25 or younger. He got support from Derrick Jones Jr.’s playoff career-high 19 points, along with double-digit efforts from P.J. Washington and Kyrie Irving.
For the top-seeded Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 30 points but lacked enough scoring help as no other OKC player cracked 13 points. Dallas’ defense stifled OKC, holding them to just 42.5% shooting. The young Thunder squad now faces elimination for the first time this postseason.
“We’ll keep our focus and determination,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “It’s one game at a time. We wanted this one just as badly as we’ll want the next.”
The series shifts to Dallas for the potential clincher on Saturday. Here are the key details:
Thunder vs. Mavericks Series Scores
All times ET | *If necessary
- Game 1: Thunder 117, Mavs 95
- Game 2: Mavs 119, Thunder 110
- Game 3: Mavs 105, Thunder 101
- Game 4: Thunder 100, Mavs 96
- Game 5: Mavs 104, Thunder 92
- Game 6: Sat May 18 – Thunder @ Mavs, 8:30pm, ESPN
- Game 7*: Mon May 20 – Mavs @ Thunder, 8:30pm, TNT
Thunder vs Mavs Game 6
When: Saturday, 8:30pm ET
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas
TV: ESPN | Stream: ESPN App
Storylines
Thunder: OKC led the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage during the regular season, but has gone inexplicably cold from deep in this series. The Thunder had numerous wide-open looks in Game 5 that simply wouldn’t fall until very late when it was too little, too late. If they hope to force Game 7, role players must start knocking down perimeter shots to support Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance.
Mavericks: Finally, Luka resembled an MVP with his first signature performance of the series in Game 5. He appeared to be moving better despite nagging injuries. While Washington struggled, Jones provided an unexpected offensive spark. Kyrie Irving has been relatively quiet – if this is a close game late, Dallas may need more from their other star guard.
Prediction
The Mavericks were in a similar situation against the Clippers, poised to wrap up the series at home in Game 6 after failing to put LA away earlier. I expect them to play with great intensity from the opening tip, determined to avoid a dreaded Game 7 on the road. Dallas pulls away late for the series-clinching win and cover.
Pick: Mavericks -3.5
