close
close

Thunder-Mavericks live score updates in Game 3 of the NBA playoff series

The No. 1 seed OKC Thunder will face the No. 5 Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1. Dallas earned a 119-110 road win in Game 2 on Thursday.

Here's what you need to know about the matchup:

More: Thunder-Mavericks takeaways: Luka Doncic leads lead to even NBA playoff series against OKC

Thunder vs Mavericks live score updates

More: Luka Doncic steps into the role of the villain as the Mavericks topple the Thunder and even end the NBA playoff series

Isaiah Joe is 3-3 from the field and has seven points in six minutes. OKC is on a 19-7 run.

Jeff Patteron, staff writer

Thunder trails 26-23 after 1. For Dallas, it was mostly Washington. Was mainly Shai for OKC, even though he had to go to the corners so often because of the coverage. Chet was all on edge. Dallas is 8/15 on shots in the paint. OKC 3 for 10 from 3 after Joe shot.

–Joel Lorenzi, staff writer

PJ Washington was everything for Dallas. He ran past him at the empty side post at the start of the game, but now he's just hitting 3s and receiving putbacks. He had 11 points on 5-for-7 shooting.

–Joel Lorenzi, staff writer

Mark Daigneault challenged this foul on Dort, which would mean three FTs from Luka. We're three minutes into this game. I haven't seen the replay but it would be brutal to lose one so early. But Dort seemed confident, as did Daigneault.

Judgment stands, appeal unsuccessful. That's three straight games in which OKC has lost its first-half challenge. Talking to the crew there.

The Mavericks lead 13-5.

–Joel Lorenzi, staff writer

Jalen Williams has garnered a lot of attention with his wardrobe during the NBA playoffs, but the second-year Thunder forward was a little more reserved in his attire before Saturday's game.

Williams wore a T-shirt that mimicked the 2008 Will Ferrell classic “Step Brothers,” with Jaylin Williams taking Ferrell's place and J-Dub superimposing John C. Reilly.

Jeff Patteron, staff writer

Mark Daigneault declined to answer when asked before the game Saturday whether Josh Giddey will be in the Thunder's starting lineup for Game 3.

Daigneault said he never announced his starting lineup before the game and would not start Saturday.

Giddey was minus-20 in a season-low 11 minutes in Game 2.

Mavericks forward PJ Washington scored a career playoff-high 29 points in Game 2 against the Thunder.

Before Game 3, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault was asked if Washington's performance surprised the Thunder.

Daigneault pointed out that Washington has long been a Thunder killer.

“It felt like every shot went in when he was in Charlotte,” Daigneault said.

Joe Mussatto, staff writer

More: Has Josh Giddey regressed in the NBA playoffs? OKC Thunder guard Mark Daigneault defends

Luka Doncic, listed as questionable (knee, ankle) before Game 3, will play, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said before the game.

There was little doubt about Doncic's availability, but now there is confirmation that Doncic actually has a chance.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd was asked before the game if Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren reminded Kidd of a player.

Kidd thought for a few seconds.

“Maybe Victor?”

Even in the playoffs, Holmgren cannot escape the comparison with Victor Wembanyama.

“I hope that doesn’t offend him,” Kidd said, drawing laughs.

Kidd also said he sees elements of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Holmgren.

Joe Mussatto, staff writer

More: What makes it impossible to show Lu Dort from Thunder? Mavericks have to prepare for the hit

Thunder vs Mavericks highlights

More: Mussatto: Thunder faces their first real adversity in the NBA playoffs after their Game 2 loss to the Mavs

OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks NBA Playoffs Game 3 Predictions

Justin Martinez, The Oklahoman

It took a lot for Dallas to steal Game 2 in OKC on Thursday.

The Mavericks shot 48.6% from deep. They got 29 points from PJ Washington. They got 11 assists from Kyrie Irving, essential to their career-high playoff performance.

Dallas deserved this win. But as long as OKC gets back on track defensively, it should be able to emerge victorious in Game 3.

Forecast: Thunder 112, Mavericks 109

More: What makes it impossible to show Lu Dort from Thunder? Mavericks have to prepare for the hit

Game 3: Here's how to watch OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks

  • Date: Saturday May 11th
  • Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
  • TV: ABC
  • Live broadcast: Sling (watch free)

More: Has Josh Giddey regressed in the NBA playoffs? OKC Thunder guard Mark Daigneault defends

Injury report for OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks

OKC Thunder injury report

None

Dallas Mavericks injury report

Maxi Kleber (right shoulder sprain) is out. Olivier Maxence-Prosper (left ankle sprain) is out. Luka Doncic (right knee sprain and left ankle soreness) is questionable.

More: How OKC Thunder's Mark Daigneault went from UConn manager to NBA Coach of the Year

Projected OKC Thunder starting lineup

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6.2 APG)
  • Josh Giddey (12.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 4.8 APG)
  • Lu Dort (10.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.4 APG)
  • Jalen Williams (19.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.5 APG)
  • Chet Holmgren (16.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.4 APG)

More: Was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander snubbed in the NBA MVP vote? Shaquille O'Neal thinks so

Projected starting lineup for the Dallas Mavericks

  • Luka Doncic (33.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 9.8 APG)
  • Kyrie Irving (25.6 PPG, 5 RPG, 5.2 APG)
  • Derrick Jones Jr. (8.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1 APG)
  • PJ Washington (11.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.5 APG)
  • Daniel Gafford (11.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.6 APG)

More: At 16, Sam Presti wrote a letter saying the Celtics should sign Jason Kidd: “He was right”

OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks playoff series schedule

  • Game 1: OKC 117, Dallas 95
  • Game 2: Dallas 119, OKC 110
  • Game 3: 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Dallas (ABC)
  • Game 4: 8:30 p.m. Monday in Dallas (TNT)
  • Game 5: 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, in OKC (TNT)
  • Game 6 (if necessary): 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18, in Dallas (ESPN)
  • Game 7 (if necessary): 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, in OKC (TNT)

More: Why do OKC Thunder play deep rotations in the NBA playoffs? Mark Daigneault explains

OKC Regular season series record between Thunder and Dallas Mavericks

OKC won the regular season series 3-1.

More: Mussatto: Why Thunder vs. Mavericks is the NBA rivalry we've been longing for

OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks NBA Playoffs Game 3 Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Saturday, May 11th

  • Spread: Dallas (-2.5)
  • About under: 217.5
  • Money line: Dallas -145 | OKC +120

More: NBA Re-Draft 2018: Would Luka Doncic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander be No. 1?

NBA playoffs 2024

First Round Pick: Celtics vs. Heat | Knicks vs. 76ers | Bucks vs Pacers | Cavaliers vs Magic | Thunder vs. Pelicans | Nuggets vs. Lakers | Timberwolves vs. Suns | Clippers vs. Mavericks

Second Round Pick: Thunder vs. Mavericks | Nuggets vs. Timberwolves | Celtics vs. Cavaliers | Knicks vs. Pacers

More: NBA Playoffs 2024: Complete Schedule, Bracket Breakdown, How to Watch

More OKC Thunder news

We may occasionally recommend products and services that may be of interest to you. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may receive an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently and this has no influence on our reporting.