Mavericks even playoff series after Thunder basket at buzzer is waved off [Video]

The Dallas Mavericks were almost in a two-game hole to Oklahoma City in a best-of-seven series.

They almost followed an embarassing 38-point loss with a heartbreaking defeat at the buzzer.

Almost.

As the Thunder players celebrated what appeared to be a one-point victory, the officials reviewed the apparant game-winning putback by Steven Adams and decided the shot left his hand after the game clock reached zero.

The basket was waved off, and suddenly everything changed. The Mavericks won the game, 85-84, and evened the series at one game each.

“I’m very proud of our guys and the way they responded after one of the most disappointing games in franchise history,” Dallas Coach Rick Carlisle said. “It’s a group with a lot of pride, and obviously, a lot of resilience.”

Raymond Felton led Dallas with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Dirk Nowitzki added 17 points.

“We let ‘em know we’re here to fight,” Nowitzki said. “Obviously, with their talent and their team and their roster, they’re still the heavy favorites. But we let ‘em know this is not going to be an easy walkover.”