/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49345393/usa-today-9258648.0.jpg)
The Oklahoma City Thunder fell to the Dallas Mavericks in game 2 of their 1st round playoff series, 85-84. In a closely contested game that literally came down to the final fractions of a second, Steven Adams' put-back lay-in came a split second too late, and the Thunder lost their first game of the playoffs as well as home court advantage.
The story of this game is Kevin Durant, who suffered through arguably his worst game as a pro, let alone the playoffs. Durant misfired for nearly the entire night, finishing an awful 7-33 from the floor (to go along with 2-11 from 3-point range and 7 turnovers), including a final miss with 2 seconds remaining that would have won it. In fact, Durant missed 4 shots in the final 1:15 of regulation, but improbably gave his team a chance by hitting his 2nd 3-pointer of the night with 9 seconds left to cut the deficit to one. Raymond Felton was put on the free throw line intentionally, but missed both shots, setting up a wild finish. Durant rebounded the miss and fired an outlet to Russell Westbrook, who broke down the Dallas transition defense to feed Durant one last time. Unfortunately Durant missed again, Westbrook missed a follow-up, and Adams' final make came after time expired.
Steven Adams so close. pic.twitter.com/1q8mYRfzqD
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) April 19, 2016
The game is a disappointing performance by the Thunder who, after game 1's 38 point dominance, appeared to be on their way to an easy series and a chance to rest up their starters for a 2nd round match-up. However, horrible shooting from the entire team (33.7% from the floor, 21.9% from three) enabled the Mavericks to hang around. Backup PG Felton, called into duty for 42 minutes after J.J. Barea was a scratch in game 2, was the player of the game. Felton recorded 21 points and 11 rebounds while being matched up against Westbrook most of the night. It was his clutch lay-up with 28 seconds left that gave the Mavs the lead that they would not relinquish.
The Thunder will have much to mentally absorb as they receive two days off before Thursday's game 3 in Dallas. Kevin Durant, more than most.
Game 3: Thursday, April 21 at 6PM CDT
Loading comments...