Luka Dončić, Mavs Applauded by NBA Fans as SGA, Thunder Suffer 1st Loss of Playoffs

Luka Dončić and P.J. Washington each scored 29 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 119-110 road win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinals series, which is now tied at one game apiece.

Dončić added 10 rebounds and seven assists despite dealing with a right knee sprain bad enough to land him on the injury report. Washington grabbed 11 boards and went 7-of-11 from three-point range (Dallas shot 18-of-37 from downtown overall).

Tim Hardaway Jr. was the Mavs' unsung hero after scoring 10 unanswered points to turn a tight 80-79 lead into a more comfortable 90-79 edge. Hardaway finished with 17 points in 19 minutes.

Despite Hardaway's scoring spurt, the Thunder fought back and cut the Mavs' lead to four in the fourth quarter. However, OKC could not get any closer.

Mavs guard Kyrie Irving only scored nine points but excelled elsewhere with 11 assists, two blocks and two steals.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posted 33 points (on 13-of-24 shooting), 12 rebounds and eight assists for the Thunder, who lost their first playoff game this season. Jalen Williams added 20 points.

This was an impressive bounceback performance from Dallas, which lost 117-95 in Game 1. Fans and analysts applauded Dončić and the Mavs after their efforts.

Game 3 of the best-of-seven matchup will take place in Dallas on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.