MISS-FORTUNE
THUNDER
walked to the podium and sat down with a loud thud and a groan that echoed through the conference room. His 37-year-old body had seen enough of the Thunder’s defense for one night.
Nowitzki worked hard for his 17 points. Nowitzki couldn’t exploit a five-inch advantage on in the post in the third quarter. Morrow, known for his offense, stripped Nowitzki for a steal. With Morrow at the free-throw line early in the fourth,
was up off the bench yelling “K! K! You have to get Dirk,” to Nowitzki went scoreless the final 9:12 of the fourth quarter.
For the second consecutive game, the Thunder forced the Mavericks into a poor shooting night, but this wasn’t Game 1. The hobbled Mavericks won 85-84 to tie the series 1-1, showing they’re not done despite injury.
“With their talent, their roster, they’re still gonna be the heavy favorites,” Nowitzki said. “… but we let them know it’s not gonna be an easy walkover.”
The Thunder held Dallas to 42.7 percent shooting from the field, 26.3 from 3-point range. The Mavs were hounded in the third quarter, shooting just 27.8 percent, but rebounded for 50-percent shooting in the fourth (12of-24).
That wasn’t expected from the Mavericks’ M.A.S.H. unit missing starting guard (groin). Deron Williams, who was doubtful with a sports hernia, scored just two points in the second half after hitting for 11 in the first.
Dallas was supposed to wilt. Instead, the skeleton crew rose up. The Mavericks had just one double-digit scorer in Game 1. Four of the nine players they trotted out in Game 2 had double figures.
Yet, it was the first time all season the Thunder held it opponents to 85 points or less in back-to-back games. It was also the first time the Thunder lost holding an opponent to that number.
“It’s disappointing any time you lose, especially at home,” said when asked if the loss was disappointing because Dallas was so banged up.
“But it’s about us. We don’t even care about what’s going on over there.” keeping in contact with McGary via text message.
“Just reaching out to him, asking if he needs anything from me,” Donovan said. “I’ve left him a couple of messages, not necessarily to have him call me back but just to see how he’s doing.
“He’s been good about responding, texting back, saying thank you. Certainly, what he’s going through, you always want to make sure he’s doing OK and he’s got the necessary support around him to get through whatever he’s dealing with.” Donovan said there’s no timetable for McGary’s return. “That would be something Mitch and I would have to sit down and talk about,” Donovan said. “Just to see where he’s at. Certainly he’s missed practice time, game time, conditioning. Where does he feel like he’s at mentally? We’ll get a chance to sit down and talk when he feels like it’s right.”
McGary’s appearance was the second surprise for the Thunder in two home games this postseason. In Game 1, assistant coach and four of his five children returned to The Peake for the first time since the death of Williams’ wife, Ingrid, in early February. The Williamses were not in their Section 104 seats for Game 2.
Kevin Durant went 7-for-33 in Game 2 on Monday night. It was the fourth worst shooting performance of his career. Here’s a look at the worst shooting nights of Durant’s career. OPPONENT Houston (4-4-2008) Portland (11-1-2009) Memphis (11-7-2007) Lakers (4-30-2010) Dallas (12-16-2009) Minnesota (12-14-2007) Denver (2-27-2008) Memphis (5-15-2013) Memphis (4-26-2014) Sacramento (1-27-2008) Orlando (12-5-2008) Sacramento (2-15-2011) Portland (3-27-2011) Phoenix (12-29-2008) Dallas (4-30-2012 W-L Loss Loss Loss Loss Loss Loss Won Loss Loss Won Loss Loss Won Won Loss Loss 2-17 3-20 3-17 7-33 5-23 4-18 4-17 4-17 5-21 5-21 5-20 5-18 5-18 5-18 5-17 5-17 .118 4 .150 16 .176 17 .217 26 .222 12 .235 13 .235 16 .238 21 .238 15 .250 19 .278 16 .278 17 .278 21 .294 18 .294 26