Thunder Strike Down Mavericks in Game 1 Victory: 117-95

Oklahoma City Thunder – Dallas Mavericks : 117-95

Oklahoma City leads the series 1-0

Like the Timberwolves, the Thunder are still undefeated in these playoffs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates played a much more serious opponent than the Pelicans, the team faced in the first round, by challenging the Mavericks this Tuesday evening. However, the result was the same: a match clearly to the advantage of the Canadian superstar and his teammates.

Oklahoma City’s defense made the difference. Notably Lu Dort, who limited Luka Doncic to 19 points and 6 of 19 shots while forcing the opponent to lose 5 balls. Dallas failed to put its game in place and Jason Kidd’s players converted only 39% of their attempts.

The Thunder had already taken almost 10 points in advance (62-53) at the break under the leadership of Gilgeous-Alexander. The latter finished the game with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. The Mavs came back to attack at the start of the third quarter but several distant baskets allowed Chet Holmgren and his teammates to widen the gap. Jalen Williams then scored 10 of his 18 points in money time to put his team away for good.

Boston Celtics – Cleveland Cavaliers : 120-95

Boston leads the series 1-0

For the Celtics, danger can come from anywhere. Especially behind the three-point line. But the two main threats identified by opposing defenses remain Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, two All-Stars in their prime. We’ll have to add Derrick White to the list. The 29-year-old is definitely in great shape in these playoffs. Author of 38 and 25 points during Games 4 and 5 of the previous round, the two matches which allowed Boston to eliminate Miami, he did it again by scoring 25 points again for the opening of the Conference semi-finals against Cleveland .

White caught fire behind the arc, much like his team. The long shot is the Celtics’ trademark this season and Joe Mazzulla’s men scored 18 last night, including 7 for their rear. The Cavaliers were unable to follow this infernal pace of winning baskets and the gap was 25 points at the finish.

Donovan Mitchell assumed his status by scoring 33 points. Insufficient for the Ohio franchise, with no solution in front of the opposing offensive machine. Jaylen Brown for his part scored 32 points for the Celtics, who unsurprisingly won this first round.

2024-05-08 07:01:47
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