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NBA Playoffs: Thunder vs. Mavericks Game 3 recap, full highlights

By Charles Rahrig V

Apr 21, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and forward Serge Ibaka (9) box out Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the second quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and forward Serge Ibaka (9) box out Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the second quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oklahoma City Thunder got back on the winning side of things in Game 3 against the Dallas Mavericks.

131. 149. Final. 102. 79

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks both showed a ton of fight against each other again on Thursday night. After the Thunder had a poor shooting night that led to a Dallas upset in Game 2, the Thunder came out firing on all cylinders in Game 3.

For all of Kevin Durant’s struggles in Game 2, he came out firing and knocking down shots in a hurry for the Thunder. With the Thunder making big shots early, the game had one of those feels where the Mavericks began treading water early.

Even worse for the Mavericks, Russell Westbrook was on fire early as well and had double-digit assists by the third quarter. For all things that the Thunder did right in this game, the Mavericks managed to hang somewhat close at the half and only found themselves down 10.

After all the chirping between the teams during the first two games of the series, emotions started to boil over in the third quarter. Raymond Felton and Steven Adams would get into it, while everyone would have to be separated. Later in the quarter, Dirk Nowitzki would be shoved to the ground while trying to set a screen on Andre Roberson.

Nowitzki would get up and exchange some words with Roberson. However, the Thunder than ran away with the game and began hitting some big shots behind Serge Ibaka. A 39-point third quarter would be all they would need to seal the game and a Game 3 recap.

Full Highlights

Three Stars

3. Serge Ibaka

Ibaka had a huge game on the floor for the Thunder. Besides his defense, he also hit two huge threes in the third quarter when the Mavericks began to make a run.

2. Russell Westbrook

Westbrook was back at it again with the big assists and big shots. He scored 26 points and dished out 15 assists.

1. Kevin Durant

He didn’t make all of his shots, but Durant bounced back and led the way for the Thunder. He finished with 34 points.

Betting Odds

Oklahoma City came into the game as a 9.5-point favorite. With their big win on the road, the Thunder covered the spread.

What’s Next?

The two teams will meet in Dallas for Game 4 on Saturday night.

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