Mavericks vs Thunder Highlights: Luka Doncic Leads Dallas to Game 2 Victory

Mavs even series with Thunder behind red-hot shooting, Doncic's bounce-back game. OKC struggles to contain Dallas' role players in Game 2.

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a stunning victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series, tying the matchup at 1-1. Led by a scorching shooting performance and clutch plays from their star players, the Mavericks secured a 119-110 road win. Luka Doncic, who bounced back from a lackluster Game 1, put up 29 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists to lead the charge.

The Mavericks were lights out from beyond the arc, going 18-for-37 on 3-pointers. P.J. Washington had a standout game with a playoff career-high 29 points, hitting 7-of-11 from deep. Doncic, Josh Green, and Tim Hardaway Jr. also contributed to the sharpshooting display, combining to shoot 61% from 3-point range. This barrage of threes created headaches for the Thunder defense, allowing Dallas to maintain control of the game despite Kyrie Irving only scoring nine points.

Although the Thunder put up a valiant effort, they struggled to keep up with the Mavericks throughout the game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dazzled with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, while Jalen Williams added 20 points. OKC briefly took the lead in the third quarter but couldn't sustain their momentum as Dallas pulled away for the win.

Looking ahead to Game 3, both teams will need to make adjustments to gain an edge in the series. The Mavericks' success hinged on their role players knocking down shots, which opened up opportunities for Doncic and Irving. If Dallas can maintain their shooting efficiency, they will be a formidable force moving forward. Doncic's stellar performance in Game 2 showcased his ability to take over when it matters most, giving the Thunder a tough challenge to overcome.

OKC coach Mark Daigneault's decision to shake up the lineup by starting Aaron Wiggins over Josh Giddey in the third quarter raised eyebrows. Wiggins' energy and shooting prowess provided a spark for the Thunder, prompting speculation about potential lineup changes for Game 3. Giddey's struggles on both ends of the court may lead to a shift in the rotation, with Wiggins emerging as a key contributor for OKC.

As the series unfolds, the Mavericks and Thunder will continue to battle for supremacy, with Game 3 shaping up to be a pivotal moment in determining the outcome. With high stakes on the line, both teams will need to bring their A-game to seize control of the series and advance to the next round.