The Gold Sheet
(565) Dallas Mavericks at (566) Oklahoma City Thunder
We were quite high on Dallas' chances to pull the Game 1 upset in Oklahoma City, but it was pretty apparent that Luka Doncic’s knee injury was impacting his play. Doncic only scored 19 points on 6-of-19 shooting, including 1-for-8 from three-point range. Oklahoma City out-scored Dallas 28-16 in the fourth quarter as Kyrie Irving also struggled to get going. He was efficient, scoring 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting, but didn't produce the volume necessary to carry the Mavs' offense as Doncic struggled. Let’s not discredit the Thunder, though, as they continue to prove critics wrong. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points and was aided by Chet Holmgren, who scored 19 points on 8-of-16 shooting. SGA may also have a little extra fuel tonight after falling short in yesterday's MVP announcement. Oklahoma City has covered the spread in four of their first five playoff games thus far. Until we see a break-out performance from Doncic, we have to believe that he's hobbled right now.