From the “7-Up Stinks Studios,” here we go…
And then there were three
The 5-at-10 turned off the TV with the Oklahoma City Thunder holding a double-digit lead with less than five minutes left. The Western Conference finals appeared to be heading back to Dallas tied at 2.
Then the wheels fell off. Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs rallied from 15 down with 4:48 to play for a 112-105 overtime win that gave Dallas a 3-1 edge and all-but-secured the series.
It played out in shocking fashion, but in truth this unpredictable series now has what could be called a predictable and signature moment. As much fun as this youthful Thunder team — and the energetic OKC crowd — has been during this charmed playoff run, no professional sports team ascends to a championship without some pain along the way. And Monday’s loss was flush with pain.