The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 105-101, at American Airlines Center on Saturday afternoon in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal-round series. The Mavericks lead the series, 2-1.

The Mavericks (6-3 postseason) came into the first of back-to-back home contests with the momentum provided by having managed to steal a game in enemy territory, and they got off to a strong start by forging a 26-23 lead through one. However, the Thunder (5-2 postseason) bounced back in the second quarter to erase their deficit altogether and take a one-point edge into halftime. Dallas answered with its best offensive quarter in the third with 31 points to take a four-point advantage into the final period, and the hosts were ultimately able to match OKC point for point in last 12 minutes for the hard-fought victory.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with a 31-point, 10-rebound double-double that included six assists, five blocks and two steals. Jalen Williams furnished 16 points, eight assists, six rebounds and one block. Chet Holmgren supplied 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists, four blocks and one steal. Isaiah Joe matched Holmgren's scoring and added two rebounds, two assists and one steal.

P.J. Washington paced the Mavericks with 27 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and two assists. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving contributed matching 22-point tallies while adding 15 rebounds and seven assists, respectively. Dereck Lively compiled 12 points, eight boards and one assist.

The two teams reconvene in Dallas for Game 4 on Monday night.