Mavs Lead 2-1 against Thunder in Western Conference Semis

By Rashad Miller The Dallas Mavericks started the second round of the NBA Playoffs this Tuesday in Oklahoma City against the Thunder. The matchup would showcase two teams led by MVP candidates, OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dallas’ Luka Doncic. Paycom Arena would live up to its ‘Loud City’ moniker as the young OKC would have a strong first half leading the Mavericks 62-53 to end the half. The Mavs fought hard to come back, even bringing the game within a point, but they were no match for No. 1 seed Thunder. In the 4th quarter, the Mavs would be outscored 28-16 and the Mavs were defeated 117-95. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder in points, rebounds, and assists with a stat line of 29 points and 9 rebounds and assists. He would tell the media after the game that he just, “play[s] [his] game and however it goes is however it goes” and he “just go[es] out there, try to attack the rim, take what the defense gives [him]”. Kyrie Irving for the Dallas Mavericks | Photo Credit: Rashad Miller Thursday, the Mavs had a strong 7-0 start and never let their feet off the gas. Led by Luka Doncic and...