Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 factors as Oklahoma overcame a Dallas franchise playoff-record 13 blocks, rallying for a 100-96 victory to even their NBA Western Convention semi-final collection at 2-2.
Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort hit clutch three-pointers late on Monday night time (Tuesday AEST), and Jalen Williams drove for a dunk and a 94-91 lead with 1:29 remaining.
The groups break up a pair on one another’s house court docket, with Sport 5 on Wednesday night time in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma’s Josh Giddey was used sparingly, taking part in simply 12 minutes for 5 factors on two-of-eight capturing. Giddey was on fireplace for OKC of their opening-round sweep of New Orleans however he has been near unplayable throughout the Dallas collection.
He has cobbled collectively simply 24 factors within the 4 video games and OKC have been a -28 within the earlier three matches when he was on the ground.
The Thunder have slashed his minutes again to only over 14 per sport on this collection as his three-point capturing has fallen off a cliff, hitting simply two of 11 makes an attempt.
The Mavericks’ final probability to tie got here with 10.1 seconds left when trailing by two. Luka Doncic had two free throws, however missed the primary.
Backed by certainly one of their greatest defensive efforts of the season, the Mavs led by 14 early within the second half, however their offence disappeared from there, and the Thunder slowly got here again.
Oklahoma went in entrance for the primary time since early within the sport – and for good – on Holmgren’s three-pointer for an 89-86 lead with 3:24 remaining.
P.J. Washington led Dallas in scoring with 21 factors, whereas Doncic had 18 factors, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
The Mavericks’ two Aussies additionally had little impression. Josh Inexperienced performed for 13 minutes for 2 rebounds, two assists and three factors.
Dante Exum had 5 minutes of court docket time for 5 factors and one help.
In Cleveland, Jayson Tatum scored 33 factors with LeBron James watching from courtside as Boston beat the short-handed Cavaliers 109-102 to take a 3-1 lead of their NBA East Convention semi-final collection.
Jaylen Brown added 27 factors for the Celtics, who can shut out Cleveland with a win in Sport 5 on Wednesday night time (Thursday AEST) at house.
Sport 6, if crucial, can be again at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday.
The Cavs bought pushed to the brink of elimination with two high gamers in road garments on the bench, as Donovan Mitchell (calf) and Jarrett Allen (ribs) sat out with accidents on Monday night time (Tuesday AEST).
Tatum had his second straight sturdy efficiency, including 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Jrue Vacation had 16 factors for Boston.
Darius Garland scored 30 and Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert 19 apiece for the Cavs, who stayed related with the Celtics and solely trailed by 10 going into the fourth.
Boston went up by 15 on a jumper by Brown, however Cleveland responded with a 10-2 run as Garland and Dean Wade made three-pointers.
The Cavs have been nonetheless inside touching distance at 102-97 when Brown buried a three-pointer with 1:08 left, earlier than Boston closed it out on the free-throw line.
James, who performed 11 seasons in two separate stints for Cleveland, was again in his former house enviornment – a go to sure to drive hypothesis about the place he may play subsequent.
The NBA’s profession scoring chief can choose out of his contract with the LA Lakers, and James has stated he has not made any agency selections.
with AAP