NBA Playoffs: Thunder vs. Mavericks Game 4 recap, full highlights

Oklahoma City picked up another road win in Game 4 over the Mavericks to move ahead 3-1 in the series

A win in Game 2 of their Western Conference first round series in the 2016 NBA Playoffs for the Dallas Mavericks certainly gave them the belief that they would be able to make some real noise against the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, a dominant performance on the road by OKC in Game 3 changed that narrative in a major way and the Thunder then were looking to all but bury the Mavericks on Saturday night in Game 4.

Right after the opening tip, it really looked like the Thunder might put it all away in the very early going. They jumped out to a huge lead behind strong hustle and effort—and of course the play of the likes of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. However, you can never full count out a veteran team like the Mavericks when they have players like Dirk Nowitzki and a coach like Rick Carlisle as they’re going to keep fighting until the end.

Dirk had an absolutely masterful night for Dallas against the Thunder, as did the likes of Raymond Felton as the point guard was forced to play big minutes after an early injury to Deron Williams. Things got chippy on numerous occasions as the Mavericks clawed their way back into the game. However, the Thunder then maintained their lead.

With big help from Enes Kanter down the stretch and a few key shots from Durant late in the game, the Thunder were able to hold off the best efforts of the Mavericks and ultimately pull out the win—but not before KD got called for a Flagrant 2 to get ejected after hitting Justin Anderson in the head on a shot with less than a minute left in the game.

Three Stars

Russell Westbrook, Thunder – 25 points, 15 assists, five rebounds, two steals

Enes Kanter, Thunder – 28 points, six rebounds, 12-13 shooting (only 22 minutes on the floor)

Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks – 27 points, eight rebounds, two assists

Highlights

"Turkish Waves."

Next Game

The Thunder and Mavericks will face off in Game 5 on Monday night as the series heads back to Oklahoma City and the home team will then be looking to close out the series.

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