It was a painful one for Luka Doncic but a Mavs victory will make it hurt less. The Dallas Mavericks won a rollicking fun one over the OKC Thunder to take a 2-1 series lead in the NBA playoffs.
That one definitely hurt
The turnover late looked like one from a guy barely able to keep moving. The posture at the free throw line was that of someone in middle age who realised they forgot something and have to go back to the house. Luka Doncic may have been exhausted but he also took his licks in Game 3.
The OKA Thunder clearly wanted to test the endurance of the Mavs star early and often in this one. While some of the fouls Doncic drew were that of a savvy veteran, most were earned the hard way. Still, when the Dallas Mavericks needed him, Doncic answered the bell and came out swinging.
The final line reflects both Luka’s physical limitations right now and how the Mavs are adapting to them through the NBA playoffs. He shot 7 of 17 but still racked up 22 points in the process. Doncic also grabbed 15 rebounds while dishing just 5 of the Mavs’ 21 assists on the night. He’s adapted to the battle and living with it.
PJ Washington was this close to an I’m him game
Game 2 for PJ Washington was impressive, taking a big chunk of the scoring load off Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Game 3 for the Dallas Mavericks now clear third option was really good. It was almost truly great.
Through three quarters, I was flat out calling this an “I’m him” level performance from Washington. Don’t get me wrong. Washington was very good in this game. The good news for Mavs fans is that he has shown potential to be better in these NBA playoffs.
The fourth quarter for Washington against the OKC Thunder wasn’t quite at the furious pace he set prior. Three amazing quarters and one good one is still something for the Mavericks to be happy with. While two games is a tiny sample. There is cause for real hope for Jason Kidd and co.
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Maxi Lively III
Derrick Lively has a clear role built around his energy for the Dallas Mavericks. Following the injury that ruled Maxi Kleber out for the rest of the NBA playoffs, he has taken on a different one for the Mavs.
It’s more than that. He’s still doing all the stuff he’s meant to do. Lively is now also doing the role assigned to Kleber. The German is the nearest thing to a safety valve passing option for Luka Doncic while also sweeping up nicely in chaos. He’s basically a plug and play guy. Doncic can count on Kleber to do certain things and not worry about anything out of the ordinary with him.
Through the last two games against the OKC Thunder it has been clear that Lively has adopted those traits more. The big man is timing his adjustments between being himself and being Maxi very well. It’s a matter of understanding the need of the whole and he’s getting that. Whoever signs him to his next contract, be it the Mavs or whoever, is going to notice that and he’ll get paid for it.
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Sustainable despite the battering
The adjustments made by the Dallas Mavericks over the last two games have really impressed me. It helps to have a player as ridiculously adaptable, while also super talented, as Kyrie Irving. There’s more to it than that.
The Mavs know that the OKC Thunder are going to beat up Luka Doncic. They also know that Doncic can find ways to still work despite that. We’ve seen him work more off ball. He’s exhausted, obviously, but it’s a more manageable form of tiredness. Being able to unlock Washington so well has been vital.
Game 4 is around the corner but, for once, the Mavs go into it not worrying about fatigue. They have learned to play tired. To keep progressing in the NBA Playoffs, they have to force opponents to play in their land of fatigue. Whoever faces them may be fitter but Dallas has lived here for a while. They know their way around. It’s going to hurt but it’s a hurt they can handle.
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