2012 NBA Western Conference First Round

Thunder Take 3-0 Lead Over Mavericks

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The Oklahoma City Thunder have taken a commanding 3-0 lead over the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2012 NBA Western Conference playoffs. The Thunder won Game 3 in Dallas on Saturday night by a score of 95-93, and now need just one more win to advance to the second round. The Mavericks, on the other hand, are facing elimination and will need to win the next two games in Oklahoma City in order to stay alive in the series.

The Thunder have been led by the play of Kevin Durant, who is averaging 30.7 points per game in the series. Russell Westbrook has also been a key contributor, averaging 24.3 points and 9.3 assists per game. The Mavericks have been led by the play of Dirk Nowitzki, who is averaging 26.3 points per game. Jason Terry has also been a key contributor, averaging 16.0 points per game.

The Thunder will host the Mavericks in Game 4 on Monday night, and a win by the Thunder would clinch the series. The Mavericks will need to win Game 4 in order to force a Game 5 back in Dallas on Wednesday night.

The Miami Heat also took a commanding 4-1 lead in their first round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Heat won Game 5 in Philadelphia on Sunday night by a score of 90-79, and now need just one more win to advance to the second round. The 76ers, on the other hand, are facing elimination and will need to win the next two games in Miami in order to stay alive in the series.