The Smoking Cuban
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Dallas Mavericks Fall to OKC in Critical Game 4

By Sam Casey

Apr 23, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) defends during the second quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) defends during the second quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite a fighting Nowitzki, Dallas falls to the Thunder in a chippy Game 4.

The Dallas Mavericks came into Game 4 versus the Oklahoma City Thunder desperately needing a win, being down in the series 2-1. However, after a hard-fought game, and a valiant effort from Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas fell short 119-108.

The Mavs ended the first quarter on a 20-5 run to make the game interesting, and at the half trailed by 9 points. The game was back and forth the rest of the way, ultimately ending in an 11 point loss. The Mavericks simply couldn’t string together enough stops and buckets to break down the lead.

The best players for OKC tonight were Russell Westbrook with 25 points and 15 assists. Enes Kanter had a big game as well, supplying the game high 28 points off the bench.

Most notably, however, Kevin Durant had another bad game with only 19 points on 7/20 shooting. He was also caught on yet another dirty play, which he has steadily supplied this series, hitting Justin Anderson in the face, which had him ejected. He possibly could be facing a suspension for the incident, but it’s not likely. Also, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka were both served technical fouls as well.

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Leading the Mavericks was Dirk Nowitzki with 27 points and 8 rebounds on 12/21 shooting. The Big German had a vintage game, trying to singlehandedly will the Mavericks to a victory. Raymond Felton and Wesley Matthews had good games as well, each having 19 points with the former adding 11 assists.

Williams actually started the game, but left less than two minutes in the game from his injury. Salah Mejri, who had a good performance tonight as well, left the game in the fourth due to a right hip injury. He is added to a ridiculously long list of injured Mavs.

In the end Dallas just couldn’t match the Thunder’s furious scoring and playmaking. The Mavericks now trail OKC 3-1 in the series. Game 5 will take place in Oklahoma as the Thunder look to finish off this hobbling Mavs team.

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