NBA: Thunder bury reigning champion Mavericks in 3-0 hole

Starting the game with a 9-2 run, the Oklahoma City Thunder never looked back as it defeated the Dallas Mavericks at the defending champions' home-court, 95-79.

 

The Thunder erected a 15-point lead eight minutes into the first quarter, 28-13, after a Kevin Durant three-pointer. The quarter ended with the Mavs only down six, 32-26, after a Vince Carter three from a Jason Terry feed. In the second quarter, the Thunder offense never wavered, still outscoring the home team 18-15 for a 50-41 halftime score.

 

In the third, Russell Westbrook had 11 points to help the Thunder score 25 to the Mavericks' 16. The Thunder opened up the fourth quarter scoring with three straight three point shots from Derek Fisher and Daequan Cook. 

 

The Thunder were up 95-69 with less than five minutes left in the quarter when Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle virtually threw in the towel, recalling Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion, Terry, Jason Kidd, and Carter to the bench. With the move, Oklahoma also relieved Durant, Serge Ibaka, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden.

 

With all starters resting, the Mavs tried to make the score respectable, going on a 10-0 run to end the game for a final score of 95-79.

 

Game 4 will be on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time). — Reneé Fopalan/RSJ, GMA News