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NBA Playoffs: Thunder vs. Mavericks Game 2 recap, full highlights

By Charles Rahrig V

Apr 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket between Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) and Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris (34) during the second quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket between Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) and Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris (34) during the second quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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With Kevin Durant having an off night, the Dallas Mavericks stole Game 2 from the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road.

79. Final. 84. 149. 85

Game 2 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks was a complete 180-degree turn from the blowout win by the Thunder in Game 1 of the series.

On Tuesday night, Kevin Durant had one of his worst postseason games ever, if not his worst postseason game, as he struggled all night to find his shot.

Rather than rolling over again, the Mavericks brought out a defensive intensity that made the Thunder continuously uncomfortable and forced them into several turnovers that turned into Mavericks points.

With Durant struggling to find his shot, it allowed Dallas to hold a slight lead after the first quarter and at halftime.

The third quarter was a sight for sore eyes, as neither team scored 20 points in the quarter and it was a turnover fest. Durant continued to miss his shots, Russell Westbrook was trying to get others involved and the Mavericks weren’t any better than the offensive end. The two teams combined for just 33 points in the quarter and the Mavericks looked comfortable with the unusual pace.

Deron Williams continued to sit on the bench late in the game, as he felt the effects of his sports hernia. In the minutes he played, Williams was efficient from beyond the arc and picked up some assists.

Finally in the fourth quarter, the Thunder started to go on a run after the Mavericks took a brief lead. Durant would have an emphatic slam and Serge Ibaka would hit a huge three-point field goal. However, the Mavericks would go on a 10-2 run as Durant continued to struggle shooting and would take the lead yet again to everyone’s surprise.

With under a huge minute left, Raymond Felton would make a huge layup to give the Mavericks the lead. With two chances to take the lead, Durant missed two more shots and Wesley Matthews would go down the floor for the layup and the Mavericks would go up four with seconds remaining.

Durant would come down and bury a huge three to keep the Thunder in it. Raymond Felton would miss his two free throws. With no timeouts, Durant and Westbrook would each miss and Steven Adams would appear to put it in at the buzzer. A quick review showed it no good and the Mavericks would steal the win.

Full Highlights

"defpensports: KD"

Three Stars

3. Dirk Nowitzki

Nowitzki would have 17 points and make several big shots late in the game. He finished with 17 points in the big win.

2. Russell Westbrook

Westbrook would finish with 19 points and 14 rebounds in a losing effort. He tried his hardest to get his teammates involved, but it was not enough.

1. Raymond Felton

Felton would lead the Mavericks in scoring after taking over for an injured Deron Williams. His big layup gave the team the lead late in the game.

Betting Odds

Oklahoma City came into the game as 14-point favorites. They pulled out the win, but did not cover the spread.

What’s next?

The two teams will meet for Game 3 in Dallas on Thursday night.

For more NBA Playoffs coverage, be sure to visit our hub page.

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