Free throws are not only a problem for Luka Doncic but also for the entire Dallas Mavericks team in Game 4, opening the door for a comeback for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

For Oklahoma City Thunder to equalize the score and rise even though they were 14 points ahead at one point, the Dallas Mavericks still have a chance.

Luka Doncic stepped to the free throw line with 2 shots. At this time, his team was 2 points behind and there were 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter. The Slovenian star is no stranger to score pressure and has led the Dallas Mavericks to victory many times. 

But this time he was not successful.

Luka Doncic only threw 1 of 2 free throws, causing his team to be unable to equalize the score. This setback caused the Dallas Mavericks to be the backdrop for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s comeback, receiving a final defeat with a score of 100-96.

Free throws are not only Doncic’s problem but also the entire Dallas team in Game 4. If OKC takes full advantage of these points with 23-24 FT (a rate of nearly 96%), the Mavericks will only shoot 12-23 FT all match, achieving a success rate of only 52.2%.

In the fourth quarter alone, Luka Doncic and his teammates missed 5 free throws. Considering the final score was 100-96, every missed FT carried a lot of weight for Dallas.

Luka Doncic missed a chance to equalize the score at the end of the match, ending a forgettable day with 6-20 FGs and 7 turnovers

With the Oklahoma City Thunder, the youth of this team has shown their stubbornness and ability to take advantage of opportunities.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the main “carrying” person. But besides SGA, there are many individuals who shined at the right time in both attack and defense, especially in the final half.

Of OKC’s 35 points in the fourth quarter, Shai had 4 successful shots. The remainder is divided equally between Lu Dort, Carson Wallace, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.

Particularly, Lu Dort and Wallace did a very good job on defense, limiting the scoring ability of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in the final 12 minutes of the match. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still plays the leader of the Oklahoma City Thunder

The person who scored the most points in the match and also led OKC was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He scored 34 points with 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks and did not commit any turnovers in 42 minutes of play.

Chet Holmgren (18 PTS, 9 rebounds), Jalen Williams (14 points, 6 assists, 4 steals) and Lu Dort (17 points, 8 rebounds, 6-6 FT) made many important contributions.

Looking back at the Oklahoma City Thunder’s spectacular comeback against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4

As for the Dallas Mavericks, today was an unforgettable day for Luka Doncic. 

Not only did he miss an important free throw at the end of the game, but he also had a 6-20 FG (2-9 3PT) index with 7 lost possession. Despite achieving a triple-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, the victory did not accompany Luka.

Kyrie Irving was expected to score more points, but in the end, he only had 9 points (4-11 FG, 0-2 3PT) and 9 assists. PJ Washington continued to lead Dallas with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Derrick Jones Jr. had 17 points and 4 blocks.

Dallas Mavericks need Kyrie Irving to score more points