DALLAS — P.J. Washington Jr. made two free throws before making an intentional miss with 2.5 seconds left to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 117-116 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night, making three They advanced to the Western Conference finals for the second time this season. .
After Chet Holmgren’s dunk off an assist from the star guard with 20 seconds left to give the Thunder a 116-115 lead, Washington was fouled on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 3-pointer.
Luka Doncic, who had 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, got close to the basket in the final seconds and passed to Washington in the corner. Washington made a pump fake to send Gilgeous-Alexander into the air, but the shot missed and the whistle sounded.
Oklahoma City challenged the ball, but replays showed Gilgeous-Alexander trying to take the shot and making contact with Washington’s arm.
After making his first two free throws to put Dallas ahead, Washington missed on purpose and Holmgren passed to Jaylen Williams, but his desperation shot from well behind halfcourt missed. .
The Mavericks closed out the series at home against the top-seeded Thunder in Game 6, as well as against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. Dallas trailed by 17 points in the third quarter.
