The Dallas Mavericks clinched a 121-119 road victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, proving that even without their star player Luka Doncic, they’re still a force to be reckoned with. In a nail-biting final few seconds, Luguentz Dort’s last-ditch three-pointer missed, sealing a narrow win for Dallas.
Game Recap: Mavericks vs. Thunder
Despite the absence of Doncic, the Mavericks capitalized on the absence of Thunder big man Chet Holmgren, using their size advantage in the paint. P.J. Washington was the game’s hero with a stunning 27 points and 17 rebounds. Kyrie Irving contributed 23 points and six assists, showing his veteran savvy in critical moments. Dallas recorded a dominant 53-29 edge in rebounds and snatched 18 offensive boards to the Thunder’s seven—a key factor that kept them competitive.
First Half: Dallas Holds the Lead
The Mavericks came out strong, with Irving leading the charge early. Dallas took advantage of OKC’s vulnerabilities in the paint, as Washington’s relentless rebounding created second-chance opportunities. By halftime, Dallas had built an 8-point lead, with a 38-point second quarter led by timely scoring from Naji Marshall and Markieff Morris, who both ended with double-digit contributions off the bench.
Third Quarter: Thunder Fight Back
In the third quarter, the Thunder found their rhythm. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) put up an impressive 36 points and eight assists, orchestrating the offense and slashing through Dallas’ defense. Jalen Williams added another 27 points, sparking a 36-point quarter that saw OKC claw back into the game. They capitalized on Dallas’ turnovers, converting 16 Mavericks turnovers into 18 points.
Fourth Quarter Drama: Dallas Clings to Victory
With just over two minutes left, the Mavericks were up 119-109. But a few errant shots and turnovers let the Thunder creep back into contention, cutting the lead to just two points. Irving’s clutch three-pointer and Washington’s crucial free throws helped Dallas maintain a slim edge.
In the final 4.3 seconds, Thunder fans held their breath as SGA missed a free throw on purpose. Dort grabbed the rebound, scrambled to the arc, and launched a three-pointer, only for it to fall short, sealing a much-needed victory for Dallas. The Mavericks snapped a three-game road losing streak and achieved back-to-back wins.
Key Performances
- P.J. Washington: 27 points, 17 rebounds
- Kyrie Irving: 26 points, 6 assists
- Daniel Gafford: 11 points, 12 rebounds
- Jalen Williams (OKC): 27 points
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA): 36 points, 8 assists
Mavericks’ Rebounding Edge
The Mavericks dominated the boards, tallying 53 rebounds to the Thunder’s 29. This rebounding advantage allowed them to control the game tempo and generate crucial second-chance points. Washington’s 17 boards and Gafford’s 12 off the bench were vital to Dallas’ interior dominance.
Irving Steps Up Without Doncic
Kyrie Irving carried much of the offensive load with 26 points, facilitating and scoring when it mattered. Although his shooting efficiency was far from perfect, Irving’s leadership on the court was crucial, especially in the absence of Doncic.
Thunder’s Strong Effort Falls Short
The Thunder may have lost the game, but SGA’s 36 points were a reminder of his All-Star abilities. Despite the narrow loss, OKC showed resilience, especially with Jalen Williams contributing 27 points and Dort adding 18.
What’s Next?
The Mavericks’ win boosts them to 10th in the Western Conference standings, helping to keep their playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Thunder, previously leading the conference, now sit second, ceding the top spot to the Golden State Warriors. Dallas will need to focus on maintaining momentum as they prepare for their next matchup without their star, Doncic.
FAQs
Dallas dominated the rebounding battle and received key contributions from P.J. Washington and Kyrie Irving, who both stepped up in Doncic’s absence.
The game’s defining moment came in the final seconds when Dort’s three-pointer missed, allowing Dallas to secure the victory.
The Thunder slipped to second place in the Western Conference, with the Golden State Warriors taking over the top spot.
P.J. Washington led Dallas with 27 points, while SGA led the Thunder with 36 points.
Conclusion
The Mavericks’ thrilling 121-119 victory over the Thunder showcased resilience, team effort, and timely contributions from role players. Even without Luka Doncic, Dallas fought tooth and nail, capitalizing on their rebounding advantage and clutch free throws. As Dallas looks to build on this victory, they’ve proven they can hold their own, even without their superstar. The Thunder, meanwhile, will aim to regroup and reclaim their dominance in the West, learning from the narrow loss in what was a fiercely competitive matchup.
