MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks 104-92 at home in Game 5. Despite being the Western Conference’s top seed, Oklahoma City suddenly faces elimination in Game 6 on the road at Dallas.
According to the NBA website, SGA was the only player to score 30 points. Meanwhile, the rest of the squad failed to reach the 13-point level. He finished with six rebounds, eight assists, two steals, one block, and three turnovers. He shot 54.5% from the field (12 of 22), including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also shot 4-of-6 from the free throw line for 66.7%, finishing the game with a -3 net rating.
“I felt like we played the right way offensively tonight…We had the right intentions, made the right plays…it just didn’t go our way.”, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander responded in the post-match conference.
On Wednesday night, Doncic’s outstanding effort, which featured 31 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. He was aided by Derrick Jones Jr.’s 19 points, and it proved to be the difference.
In contrast, the Thunder’s supporting cast did not give comparable backing for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As the series moves to Dallas, the Mavericks can seal a berth in the Western Conference finals for the second time in three years with a win in Game 6 on Friday night.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Has Been Incredible for Thunders Despite Currently Losing 2–3 to Mavs
Oklahoma City’s inability to convert shots has undoubtedly undermined their confidence. For a club used to launching a flurry of shots throughout the season, they’re now missing on countless enticing possibilities.
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Their tireless search of the optimal shot complements Dallas’ defensive plan. This allowed the Mavericks to force OKC into perilous late-clock situations and more difficult shot attempts.
As a result, the Thunder are out of sync, highlighting the significance of reestablishing their rhythm around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander before Game 6 in Dallas. Failure to do so might be the end of their season, especially considering Doncic’s revival in Game 5, when he seemed more engaged on the game than interacting with the referees as in previous games.
Also Read: “That’s Been Difficult for Us”: Luka Doncic Identifies Cause of Scoring Struggle Against Thunder
