Regular Season Encounters: A Balanced Battle
Throughout the regular season, the Mavericks and Thunder faced off multiple times, each game showcasing the talents of their star players.
- The Mavericks won 106-98 at home on January 17, 2025. P.J. Washington scored 16 points and pulled down 7 rebounds, while Kyrie Irving led Dallas with 25 points.
- January 24, 2025: Dallas defeated Oklahoma City 121–115 in a hotly fought match. P.J. Washington contributed a double-double with 22 points and 19 rebounds, while Spencer Dinwiddie played a key role with 28 points.
- February 10, 2025: With a 146–111 victory, the Mavericks overpowered the Thunder. With 32 points, Luka Dončić was outstanding, while Daniel Gafford had a big debut.
These regular-season games set the stage for a highly anticipated playoff series between the two teams.
Playoff Series: A Test of Resilience and Strategy
The Western Conference Semifinals saw the Mavericks and Thunder clash in a six-game series filled with dramatic shifts and individual brilliance.
- Game 1: The Thunder established an early lead in the series with a 117–95 triumph. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists.
- Game 2: Dallas replied with a 119–110 triumph, squaring the series. Luka Dončić and P.J. Washington each scored 29 points, with Washington adding 11 rebounds.
- Game 3: The Mavericks scored a 105–100 win, establishing a 2–1 series lead. Dončić delivered 22 points and 15 rebounds, while Irving supplied 22 points and 7 assists.
- Game 4: The Thunder knotted the series with a 104–92 triumph. Gilgeous-Alexander scored a playoff career-high 34 points, while Chet Holmgren added 18 points.
- Game 5: Dallas restored the lead with a 104–92 win. Dončić had a triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
- Game 6: The Mavericks secured the series 4–2 with a 117–116 triumph. Dončić produced another triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, but P.J. Washington’s crucial free throws in the dying seconds clinched the win.
Star Performers: Statistical Highlights
Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks)
Dončić was the cornerstone of the Mavericks’ offense throughout the series.
- Averaged 29.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game in the series.
- Recorded triple-doubles in Games 5 and 6, showcasing his all-around impact.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Gilgeous-Alexander consistently led the Thunder’s scoring efforts.
- Averaged 32.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game in the series.
- His 34-point performance in Game 4 was pivotal in keeping the Thunder competitive.
P.J. Washington (Dallas Mavericks)
Washington emerged as a key contributor for Dallas.
- Averaged 23.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in the series.
- His clutch free throws in Game 6 were instrumental in the Mavericks’ series-clinching victory.
Conclusion: A Series to Remember
The Mavericks’ triumph over the Thunder in the 2024–25 Western Conference Semifinals was a testament to their resilience and the stellar performances of their key players. Luka Dončić’s leadership and all-around game, combined with significant contributions from P.J. Washington and Kyrie Irving, propelled Dallas to the Conference Finals.
For the Thunder, despite the exceptional efforts of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the series highlighted areas for growth and the need for broader offensive support.
This series not only provided thrilling basketball but also set the stage for future encounters between these two competitive franchises.
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