The Dallas Mavericks advanced to the Western Conference Finals after beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-116 at home in Game 6 of the series between the two teams. At their own arena, the Mavericks rallied from a 17-point deficit in the second half to overcome the conference's top seed before the finals. Decisive two free throws for the winners were scored by PJ Washington, who, after the second successful execution, intentionally missed with 2.5 seconds before the end of regular time, and then the Thunder had no answer.
Above all for the Texans was their big star Luka Doncic. The Slovenian guard posted his third straight triple-double of the series, finishing with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists - 4-of-6 from three and not missing any of his seven shots from the free throw line. Derrick Jones Jr. and Kyrie Irving added 22 points for the key win. Irving is now 14-0 in games to close a series in his career. Derek Lively II was very useful off the bench with his double-double - 12 points and 15 rebounds, and Daniel Gafford had 10 points and 7 boards.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's effort was not enough for the visitors. One of the best basketball players in the regular season, who together with Doncic was among the three finalists in the fight for the Most Valuable Player award, finished with 36 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists. Jalen Williams was close to a triple-double with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists, and Chet Holmgren added 21. Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Joe finished with 11 points each, but the Thunder's season is now officially over.
Dallas faces a Western final with either the defending champion Denver Nuggets or the Minnesota Timberwolves who tonight have a decisive Game 7 clash. The Mavericks play away the first game of the finals series on Wednesday. /BGNES
