Kevin Durant and James Harden lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past Dallas Mavericks 106-100 - Part 2
On the night, the Oklahoma City (OKC) Thunder focussed more on their defense that eventually paved their way to the victory.
It was a team effort for the Thunder as they totally dismantled the Dallas Mavericks in the final stanza to walk away with a hard-fought six-point victory. The difference maker of the game, James Harden acknowledged the combined
team effort by his teammates and said, "It was tremendous." "Eric made some great plays. Daequan made some big shots. Kevin did what he did. Nick played some great defense. I just tried to find my spots and make shots as well."
First Quarter
The Mavs entered the court with an aim to maintain their lead in the series and played the opening quarter well. Backed by Nowitzki’s seven points in the first quarter, the Mavericks got off to a better start, taking a 31-26 lead
after 12 minutes.
Second Quarter
Trailing by 5 after one, OKC reeled out a 14-4 run to begin the second quarter. Harden was just starting to take control at that point and scored all four OKC free throws in the first two minutes of the quarter. However, Dallas
controlled the situation and managed to take a 44-42 advantage with 06:44 remaining in the second.
The Mavericks maintained their rhythm in the contest and widened the lead to 57-54, with 01:33 to go. The Thunder however closed the half with five unanswered points to carry a two-point lead, 59-57, into the locker room.
Third Quarter
Oklahoma City kept the pressure on the Mavs right from the start of the third quarter and went on a 6-0 run to take a 65-57 lead. Dallas however rallied back with eight consecutive points to tie the game at 65-65 with 05:18 left
in the quarter. Both teams played very close game in the last four minutes of the quarter. However, Thunder took a single-point lead into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter
Up by one, OKC started the fourth quarter with a pair of quick runs to put themselves ahead by five points. The maintained their lead throughout the frame and when Nick Collison hit a pair of free throw with just 47 seconds remaining
on the clock, Thunder took a assuring 104-98 lead. Collison then fouled Nowitzki and allowed him to pull two back. Dallas still had a chance with 12 seconds to go but Peja Stojakovic missed a three-pointer, and the OKC held on from there. Sefolosha scored
2-of-2 free throws to seal the victory for the Thunder.
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