Washington contributed 27 points (11-23 FG, 5-12 3Pt), six rebounds and two assists in 40 minutes during Saturday's 105-101 win over the Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Washington enjoyed another splendid shooting night beyond the arc after draining seven shots from downtown in Game 2. The 23 shot attempts matched a season high for Washington, who is averaging 13.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.3 assists and 1.0 blocks in the playoffs. He's also converting 52.9 percent of his shots during the postseason.
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Mavericks' Luka Doncic: Plays through injuries in win
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Doncic totaled 22 points (7-17 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 7-10 FT), 15 rebounds, five assists and two steals across 40 minutes during Saturday's 105-101 victory over the Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Doncic sealed the Game 3 win by winning a jump ball in the closing seconds and grabbing the loose ball before the buzzer. While Doncic's inspired play was a clear difference-maker in the victory, he left the court favoring his left ankle. His injury struggles were noticeable throughout the game, as his ankle and lingering knee issue limited his speed in transition. Still, Doncic played through the pain and delivered his best rebound total of the postseason. Although Doncic may find himself on the injury report for Monday evening's rematch, he'll carry a full load if his body can take the beating.
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Mavericks' Kyrie Irving: Bounces back with 22 points
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Irving notched 22 points (10-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt), five rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal over 41 minutes during Saturday's 105-101 win over the Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
After a season-low nine points in Game 2, Irving came back with a diverse stat line, helping the Mavericks go up in the series. Irving complemented teammate Luka Doncic with a series of key plays in the closing minutes, draining all four of his shots in the final stanza. Irving led the team with seven assists, which marked the fourth time the All-Star exceeded his season average in that category during the playoffs.
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Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Starts second half
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Gafford (shoulder) has returned for the second half of Saturday's Game 3 against the Thunder, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.
Gafford briefly went to the locker room in the second quarter grabbing at his left shoulder but was able to take the floor for the second half. If he's restricted due to the injury, Dereck Lively would be next in line for minutes.
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Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Heads to locker room
Rotowire
Gafford exited in the second quarter of Game 3 against Oklahoma City on Saturday with a left shoulder injury, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.
An injury to Gafford could be devastating for the Mavericks, as he's been a solid contributor down low for Dallas. If he's unable to return, then Dereck Lively would be in line for a bigger role.
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Mavericks' Luka Doncic: Good to go
Rotowire
Doncic (knee/ankle) is available for Saturday's Game 3 against Oklahoma City.
Doncic has been dealing with a sprained right knee and, more recently, a sore left ankle. However, he's been able to play in every playoff contest thus far and will be active for Game 3. Doncic has averaged 24.0 points, 8.0 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 2.5 steals over 41.0 minutes in the first two games of the series.
Doncic is questionable for Saturday's Game 3 against the Thunder due to a right knee sprain and left ankle soreness.
Doncic has been playing through the knee sprain throughout the postseason, but the ankle issue is new. He also smacked his face on the court during Game 2 on Thursday, but that's not mentioned in the official report. Despite all the injuries, the Mavericks were able to even the series and claim home-court advantage behind Doncic's 16-point first quarter. The superstar point guard is likely more probable than questionable for Game 3, but his official availability will likely come down to a game-time decision.
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Mavericks' Olivier-Maxence Prosper: Another absence coming
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Prosper (ankle) is out for Saturday's Game 3 against the Thunder.
Prosper will miss his eighth straight contest Saturday due to a left ankle sprain. The rookie forward's absence won't impact Dallas' rotation.
Mavericks' Tim Hardaway: Scores 17 points off bench Thursday
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Hardaway posted 17 points (6-10 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), two rebounds and one assist over 19 minutes during Thursday's 119-110 win over Oklahoma City in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Hardaway stepped his game up off the bench and provided a scoring boost to the second unit, and his contributions proved to be much-needed as the Mavericks evened the series with a huge road win. Hardaway can go hot or cold in any given game, but he should remain an important cog of the Mavericks' rotation during this playoff run.
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Mavericks' P.J. Washington: Solid output in Game 2 victory
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Washington produced 29 points (11-18 FG, 7-11 3Pt, 0-1 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists, one block and two steals across 40 minutes before fouling out of Thursday's 119-110 victory over the Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Kyrie Irving didn't have his best performance Thursday, but Washington stepped up in a game where the Mavericks needed someone to carry the offensive load alongside Luka Doncic. This was Washington's best game of the current playoff run, as it was his first double-double since April 7. Washington is averaging 13.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in the playoffs, and he's scored in double digits in all but one of his eight appearances to date.
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Mavericks' Luka Doncic: Bounces back in Game 2 win
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Doncic provided 29 points (11-21 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, seven assists, one block and three steals over 41 minutes during Thursday's 119-110 victory over Oklahoma City in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Doncic had been struggling with his shot in recent games, but he bounced back admirably in this Game 2 victory, nailing five of his eight attempts from beyond the arc and returning to the regular scoring figures he'd been delivering throughout the entire playoff run. Doncic should play a key role in Game 3 of the series, scheduled for Saturday in Dallas.
Mavericks' Olivier-Maxence Prosper: Still out for Game 2
Rotowire
Prosper (ankle) will remain out for Thursday's Game 2 matchup with the Thunder.
Prosper has seen action in just one postseason game to date, making a one-minute cameo in garbage time of the Mavericks' Game 1 win over the Clippers in the first round. He hasn't played since due to a left ankle sprain, but the rookie wouldn't be included in head coach Jason Kidd's rotation even if he were healthy.
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Mavericks' Luka Doncic: Available for Game 2
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Doncic (knee) will be available for Thursday's Game 2 against the Thunder.
No surprise here, as Doncic was able to practice Wednesday and was previously carrying a probable tag. When speaking to the media, coach Jason Kidd made no mention of any restrictions.
