The Dallas Mavericks secured their spot in the Western Conference finals with a thrilling 117-116 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6. P.J. Washington emerged as the hero of the night, sinking the game-winning free throws with just 2.5 seconds remaining.
The Mavericks, who rallied from a 17-point deficit in the third quarter, will now face the winner of the upcoming Game 7 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets. Despite opening the West finals on the road, Dallas is riding high on their impressive performance against the top-seeded Thunder.
Luka Doncic, the standout player for the Mavericks, showcased his skills with a triple-double, recording 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Washington, who played a pivotal role in the series, delivered a clutch performance by scoring all nine of his points in the final minutes of the game.
The Mavericks' dominance on the boards was a key factor in their victory, outrebounding the Thunder 47-31. Rookie Dereck Lively II made a significant impact off the bench with 12 points, 15 rebounds, and a remarkable plus-26 rating in just 30 minutes of play.
Guard Kyrie Irving also played a crucial role for the Mavericks, contributing 22 points, including 18 in the second half. Irving's unbeaten record of 14-0 in games where his team has a chance to clinch the series highlights his ability to perform under pressure.
The Mavericks' resilience and collective effort propelled them to a hard-fought victory, setting the stage for an exciting showdown in the Western Conference finals. Fans can look forward to witnessing more thrilling basketball action as Dallas continues their quest for the championship.
