OKLAHOMA City Thunder relied on a huge finishing run to turn back Dallas Mavericks, 100-96, in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals on Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines) at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Trailing for most part of the game, the Thunder leaned on consecutive attacks by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a three-pointer from Chet Holmgren as they took an 89-84 lead with over three minutes left.
The Mavericks rallied to within 91-92 on a three-pointer by Tim Hardaway Jr., but Jalen Williams countered with back-to-back inside hits to widen the advantage to 96-91 with over a minute remaining.
Dallas made its last push to cut the deficit to 94-96 on a split free throw by Dereck Lively II and a basket from PJ Washington Jr. They still had a chance to tie the score but Luka Doncic split his free throws for a 95-96 deficit.
The Thunder then wrapped up the come-from-behind victory as Holmgren and Gilgeous-Alexander knocked down two free throws each with under 10 seconds left in the game.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 34 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks for the Thunder, which snapped a two-game slide to tie the best-of-seven series at 2-2.
Holmgren added 18 points and nine rebounds, Luguentz Dort contributed 17 points, and Jalen Williams finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals for OKC.
Washington tallied 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Mavericks, Doncic posted a triple-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Derrick Jones Jr. and Daniel Gafford had 17 and 10, respectively.
Meanwhile, Boston Celtics took advantage of the absence of Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell to score a 109-102 Game 4 win and take a commanding 3-1 lead in their NBA Eastern Conference semifinals series.
Jayson Tatum led the way with 33 points and 11 rebounds, Jaylen Brown added 27 markers, while Jrue Holiday and Payton Pritchard had 16 and 11 markers, respectively, for the Celtics./PN
BOX SCORE:
OKLAHOMA CITY 100 — Gilgeous-Alexander 34, Holmgren 18, Dort 17, Jal. Williams 14, Wallace 6, Wiggins 6, Giddey 5, Joe 0, Jay. Williams 0, K. Williams 0.
DALLAS 96 — Washington 21, Doncic 18, Jones 17, Gafford 10, Irving 9, Lively 7, Hardaway 6, Exum 5, Green 3.
Quarterscores: 20-30, 43-54, 65-69, 100-96.
