DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks lead the Western Conference Semifinals over the Oklahoma City Thunder 2-1. It has been a physical series. The officiating in the series has drawn mixed reactions, and both Luka Doncic and Chet Holmgren believe there is a difference in how the game is being called now as compared to the regular season.
After Game 3, Doncic was asked if this playoff series is being called the same as a regular season game.
“No, I don’t think so,” Doncic said.
On Monday after the Thunder’s shoot-around, Holmgren was asked if the physicality of this series is different than the regular season. He said it is “similar,” but noted that the officiating is different.
“No it’s pretty similar,” Holmgren said of the physicality. “I would just say there’s a little bit of a difference in how the game is called between early in the season and this point in the season. In terms of regulating the physicality it’s been pretty fair in my opinion. That’s all you can ask for. I don’t care if you call it, call it tight or let us play as long as it’s equal both ways.”
Holmgren doesn’t have a preference one way or the other. He doesn’t have an issue with the difference. As long as the game is being called fairly for both teams, Holmgren will accept the officiating.
“All I ask is that the game is fair,” Holmgren said.
Mavericks contained Holmgren in Game 3
The Mavericks defeated the Thunder 105-101 in Game 3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander performed well, as he finished the game with 31 points. He did not receive much help from his teammates, though.
Jalen Williams scored 16 points. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Joe both scored 13 in the Thunder’s loss.
Holmgren shot 5-9 from the field and he went just 0-2 from beyond the arc. He is certainly capable of stretching the floor, but Dallas found a way to contain his offensive prowess in Game 3.
Holmgren still held things down on the defensive end of the floor. He finished the game with four blocks. Nevertheless, Oklahoma City is going to need more production from their star rookie in order to get back in the series.
Mavericks centers Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II played a pivotal role in defending Holmgren in Game 3. Holmgren also discussed the performances of the Mavs big men.
“Extremely solid,” Holmgren said Monday. “Both of them are really good players. They kind of tag-team throughout the game. They sub in for each other and they’re always fresh every couple minutes. They’re out there, they’re ready to go every time they get in the game. You know, they do a great job at their job.”
The Mavs will look to take a 3-1 series lead over Holmgren and the Thunder on Monday night.
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