DALLAS, TX - MAY 18: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round 2 Game 6 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 18, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images)Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images

Luka Dončić, Mavs Eliminate SGA, Thunder as NBA Fans Laud Comeback G6 Win, WCF Berth

Andrew PetersMay 18, 2024

The Dallas Mavericks are moving on to the Western Conference Finals after beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-116 in Game 6 on Saturday.

The Mavericks used a 29-point night from Luka Dončić and a clutch performance from Kyrie Irving to advance. Irving had a slow start to the game but had a big second half to finish with 22 points.

While Dončić and Irving led the way, it was P.J. Washington who played the hero, hitting a pair of go-ahead free throws with just over two seconds to play. Washington had just nine points, but his two at the end were the most important of the night.

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After the win, fans praised Dallas for taking care of business in the elimination game:

Now Dallas awaits the winner of the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, who face off in a Game 7 on Sunday. The Mavericks are back in the conference finals just a year after missing the postseason entirely, and they seem to have all the makings of a championship team.

The Thunder have a long offseason ahead of them, but it's clear the young Oklahoma City team is going to be a contender for years to come. On Saturday, the Thunder just didn't have enough to get past Dončić and Irving.