With just 2.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Mavericks P.J. Washington sinks the game-winning free throws to send Dallas to the Western Conference Finals.
The Mavericks defeated the Thunder in an absolute game 6 thriller 117-116.
Dallas was down at the half to the Thunder 64-48.
But in the third, Mavs rallied from a 17-point deficit to eliminate the number 1 seed.
“Being down 17 in a closeout game isn’t a position you want to be in,” said Kyrie Irving speaking after the game.
“But that’s where we found ourselves. We had to respond the way we’ve been responding all season.”
Luka Doncic finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists for his fourth triple-double this postseason, while Irving and Derrick Jones Jr. scored 22 points apiece for the Mavericks.
Washington finished with nine points including the game tie and go-ahead free throws. All nine points came in the fourth quarter.
“It wasn’t Luka or Kai making the game winner,” said Dallas coach Jason Kidd.
“It was the trust of Luka and the ball touches the paint, they collapse, he trusted P.J. We find a way to win.”
Dallas has now beaten the Clippers and the Thunder in the same manner of wins and losses this postseason.
OKC started the playoffs with an impressive 5-0 start before losing four out of five to Dallas.
For the second time in three seasons, Dallas is headed back to the Western Conference Finals and will play game 7 winner between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets.
Travis Tyler