Down 2-1 and on their home floor, Game 4 was billed as a virtual must-win for the Oklahoma City Thunder. So far in these playoffs, they have followed up every single loss with a win, and that might still happen Monday night. They've made it difficult on themselves, though, and they're headed to overtime with the score tied up at 101-101. Thanks to spectacular fourth quarter performances by Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka, as well as a disappearing act by most of Dirk Nowitzki's supporting cast, the Thunder jumped out to a lead and appeared to be strolling to a win. However, an amazing performance by Nowitzki has brought Dallas back from the brink, and they have a chance to take a crippling 3-1 lead.
Mavericks Vs. Thunder Score, Game 4: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Forces Overtime With Incredible Comeback
Durant's solid all-around performance, along with Ibaka's consistent energy in the fourth quarter helped the Thunder turn their four point third quarter lead into a much bigger lead. All in all, the Thunder outplayed the Mavericks for most of the game, but the final five minutes of the fourth quarter was all Mavericks and all Nowitzki.
At one point, with five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City had a 15 point lead. Shortly afterwards, James Harden fouled out, changing the game considerably. Harden had seven points off the bench, but more important were his seven assists. With Harden out and Thabo Sefolosha in, the Thunder's offense looked less fluid and more reliant on Durant and Russell Westbrook creating their own shots. That, combined with Nowitzki going crazy, caused the game to be close late.
With the Mavs down two points with less than a minute remaining, Nick Collison committed a bad non-shooting foul on Nowitzki, sending the star to the free throw line. He unsurprisingly nailed both, tying the game. Oklahoma City's attempt at a game-winner was a total non-event as Shawn Marion blocked a poor attempt by Durant, sending the game into overtime.
Be sure to 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.
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