Mavericks Edge Out Thunder in Thrilling Finish to Secure Conference Finals Spot

With just 2.1 seconds left in the fourth quarter and the Mavericks trailing 116-115 against the Thunder, officials called a shooting foul on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, awarding P.J. Washington three crucial free throws. Replays indicated Gilgeous-Alexander initially made contact with the ball before fouling Washington, leading head coach Mark Daigneault to challenge the call. However, the review upheld the original decision, costing Oklahoma City its final timeout.This decision proved pivotal. Washington sank the first two free throws, putting Dallas ahead, and deliberately missed the third. With no timeouts left to advance the ball, the Thunder’s last attempt, a desperate shot from beyond half-court, failed to connect.Reflecting on the moment, Gilgeous-Alexander admitted he would have avoided the foul if given another chance, preferring to take his chances on Washington’s shot attempt. Despite the controversial call, it wasn’t the sole reason for the Thunder’s loss. Leading by as many as 17 points, Oklahoma City allowed Dallas to stage a comeback in the second half, creating the circumstances for the late-game drama.Dallas’ experienced players stepped up in critical moments, with Washington playing a key role despite struggling for most of Game 6. He scored his first field goal late in the fourth quarter, tying the game with a three-pointer at 4:11, and then hit another three to give the Mavericks a lead with just over two minutes remaining. His forced foul on Gilgeous-Alexander ultimately secured the victory.Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were instrumental in the Mavericks’ comeback, contributing to 57 points in the second half.