Mavs take 2-1 series lead in West Finals
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 23 May 2011
After a late-game scare, when their 23-point lead was cut down to 6, the Dallas Mavericks clung to a 93-87 win over rthe Oklahoma City Thunder to take Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.
Saturday night's thriller at the Oklahoma City Arena gave Dallas a 2-1 lead in their best-of-7 series and pushed the Mavericks to within two games from this year's NBA Finals.
Dirk Nowitzki had a rare night off --- 18 points on 7 for 21 shooting -- but he delivered clutch buckets in the final minutes to help Dallas ward off a pesky Thunder.
Shawn Marion belted a performance that harkened back to his days as "The Matrix" in Phoenix, finishing with 18 points that helped fuel the Mavs' 27-12 start, Jason Kidd and Jason Terry chipped in 13 each for the Mavs, who shot 36 of 82 field goals and 7-of-21 3s. And Tyson Chandler manned the middled with authority, 15 rebounds and 8 points.
The Mavs were beaten off the boards, 45-37, but they fired more assists, 21-11. Unlike their Game 2 upset win in Dallas, the Oklahoma reserves faltered in Game 3, scoring just 16.
Kevin Durant, like Nowitzki, diidn't have a superstar night. The reigning NBA scoring champion struggled with 24 points and missed 15 of 22 shots, including 8 from 3-point range. Russell Westbrook exploded for 30 points, but was hounded by 7 turnovers against 4 assists.
Overall, the Thunder converted just 36.5 percent of their shots (27-of-72). They sank 32 of 36 free throws, but they clanked 17 of 18 beyond the arc.
Game 4 resumes Monday night at the Oklahoma City Arena. (Homer D, Sasyon
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 FEBRUARY 2026: Shakur Schools Teofimo to Become 4-Division Champ; Zayas Unifies WBA/WBO Superwelter; Kelly Beats Murtazaliev
By Eric Armit, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Grand Week for Boxing in NY
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
Wed, 04 Feb 2026National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
Wed, 04 Feb 2026Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 03 Feb 2026“I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
Tue, 03 Feb 2026World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Feb 2026