Kevin Durant scores 52 points as Oklahoma City Thunder down Dallas Mavericks 117-114 in overtime: NBA Recap
Kevin Durant posted a career-high 52 points which included 9 of the 12 points scored by the Oklahoma City in overtime, as the Thunder fended off an impressive Dallas Mavericks challenge, beating them 117-114 in overtime here at
the American Airlines Center on Friday night.
Thunder won their sixth straight game and snapped the Mavericks’ 4 game winning streak along the way. Dallas were right on the money; they overcame a 14 point second half deficit to tie the score late the fourth period and then
O.J. Mayo nailed a three pointer with 2.3 seconds left in the regulation to level the scores and take the game into overtime.
Russell Westbrook gathered 31 points while Serge Ibaka gave a full court performance with 11 points and 14 rebounds for the winning cause.
"Sometimes when your shot doesn't fall, you've got to find a way to attack the basket and will yourself to get opportunities. He did that tonight and got opportunities at the free-throw line. He's an amazing player and he deserves
everything that he has earned." Thunder Coach Scott Brooks commented on Durant who went 21 out of 21 from the free throw line. The only player who had made more free throws from the foul line without a miss is Dominique
Wilkins who shot 23 of 23 from the foul line way back in 1992.
Vince Carter led the Mavericks with 29 points coming off the bench. Elton Brand posted a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds while forward Dirk Nowitzki had 18 points and 9 rebounds. The Mavericks are now 1-8 in overtime
which includes two losses to Thunder.
Thunder entered into the fourth quarter holding a 9 point comfortable lead but the Mavs started cutting the gap soon and Brand made a jumper early in the period to slash the deficit down to 3. Oklahoma City were up by three points
with 15.2 seconds to go when Vince Carter made a driving slam dunk to make it 102-103 with less than 8 seconds on the regulation. Brand committed a foul resulting in two Westbrook free throws that put the Thunder up by three points again, before Mayo nailed
one from behind the arc to take the game into overtime.
Overtime was Kevin Durant time; he took control for Thunder, who outscored the Mavs 12-9 to win 117-114.
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