NBA
Thunder Fall To The Mavericks On The Road 105-103
Paul George nailed a 3-pointer to put the Oklahoma City Thunder up six with under two minutes left. However, costly turnovers and lack of play-calling helped the Dallas Mavericks comeback and win 105-103.
The Thunder had a rough third quarter, only scoring 14 points on 5-17 shooting and missing all eight 3-pointers. Going into the fourth quarter down 11 points, the Thunder rallied to take the lead before losing it. The Mavericks stayed strong and got the victory at home.
George Once Again…
George had another incredible fourth-quarter, scoring 13 points and being a big part of the Thunder’s comeback. Only missing one game, he came back a bit rusty. However, George ended the night with 34 points on 12-24 shooting and 9-12 from the free-throw line.
If this game shows anything, it is that George should always be the go-to guy in clutch and scoring situations. Had there been a set play for this team, the Thunder might have had a shot to win the game. But once again, Thunder head coach Billy Donovan decided to neglect running an actual play.
George had a very good game, but if the Thunder want to win the games that matter most, they are going to have to figure out a way to win in clutch situations and have a go-to play for winning.
Major Concerns on Westbrook
It is undeniable that Westbrook has been a lot better in areas than previous years. He is trying on defense again, and by all accounts very good. He ended the game with six steals. However, there is something that needs to be addressed.
Westbrook has never been an efficient shooter, which isn’t news. Nowadays though, it’s hard for remember five games where he wasn’t putrid shooting the ball. He ended the night with nine points on 4-22 shooting from the field and 0-8 from 3-point range. That is preposterously bad.
Is he still hurt? Has he lost confidence in his shot? I need to know what is going on with him. Westbrook cost his team the game at the end with lazy turnovers and defense. He essentially gave the ball to Harrison Barnes which led to free-throws and then didn’t communicate with Dennis Schroder on who was guarding Dennis Smith Jr., which led to an easy layup to take the lead.
He doesn’t look like the 2017 MVP who was undeniably one of the most fun players to watch. It is just sad to see these kinds of nights on a repeated basis.
Luka Doing Luka Things
Luka Doncic had another impressive night as he scored 25 points on 9-19 shooting and dished out seven assists. The way he fooled George on a few plays and made some great passes to DeAndre Jordan really sparked this team and helped them get the lead in the third quarter.
Speaking of Jordan, he had a pretty good game himself, finishing with 12 points and 17 rebounds. Smith Jr. had himself a decent night after only his second game back from injury, scoring 14 points including the go-ahead basket in the fourth quarter.
Being down six after blowing the lead in the fourth didn’t stop this Mavericks team from making a little comeback of their own. When George was hot, they didn’t panic and played hard and smart on every possession down the stretch. Jordan hit his free-throws in the clutch and the defense did what they had to slow down the Thunder.
Wait Until Tomorrow…
The Thunder can get revenge right away, as the face the Mavericks again tomorrow on a back-to-back on their home court. The Mavericks have been horrible this season on the road, which gives the Thunder a perfect opportunity to take a win.
The Thunder fall to 22-13 and will need to be focused to get back on track.
Photo Credit
Highlight Store via Flickr
Writer Brandan Verrastro
