Mavericks Vs. Thunder, Game 3 Score: Dallas Takes Double-Digit Lead Into Fourth Quarter

What haven’t the Mavericks done right in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals? With a 70-56 lead heading into the fourth quarter, it’s time to take inventory.

Dallas’ offense has been superb. The Mavericks’ field goal percentage slipped in a cooler third quarter, but Dallas has made seven of 18 threes, nearly 40%, and the Mavericks have assisted on 18 of 27 baskets while committing just nine turnovers. And balanced scoring is carrying the day, with no player scoring more than Shawn Marion’s 16 points, but a full seven players contributing six or more.

On defense, Dallas’ height and smart double-teaming of Kevin Durant has thwarted Oklahoma City repeatedly. Durant has 15 points but has made just four of 18 shots; Russell Westbrook leads the Thunder with 16 points, but is just four of 11 from the field and has made his bones on getting to the free throw line. Oklahoma City’s field goal percentage through three quarters is 32.1% — and that’s up from the first half.

The Thunder actually won the third quarter, 20-18, but barely cut into Dallas’ lead. And that was even with the questionable foul called on Tyson Chandler for a phantom elbow of James Harden.

If the Thunder don’t figure out how to solve either Dallas’ offense or defense soon, this first Western Conference Finals game in Oklahoma City is likely to be remembered as the most disappointing Western Conference Finals game in Oklahoma City long after this series.

Check out our Mavericks vs. Thunder hub for full series coverage. For more on the Thunder, visit Welcome To Loud City. For more on the Mavericks, visit Mavs Moneyball and SB Nation Dallas.