The Dallas Mavericks showcased their resilience and depth in a thrilling 121-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night, despite the absence of their superstar, Luka Dončić, who was sidelined with a bruised right knee.
P.J. Washington, stepping into a larger role with Doncic out, delivered an outstanding performance, posting 27 points and a career-high 17 rebounds, filling the void left by the Mavs’ star guard.
Washington, who came into the game averaging just over eight points and seven rebounds per contest, proved to be more than up to the task. His presence on both ends of the floor was pivotal, as Dallas capitalized on a size advantage that saw them dominate the glass, outrebounding Oklahoma City 53-29. Washington’s tenacity was contagious, with the Mavericks putting together an efficient offensive display despite the absence of their best player.
Kyrie Irving, in his first game without Doncic in the lineup this season, stepped up as the primary playmaker. Irving finished with 23 points, facilitating the Mavericks’ offense and ensuring that the team shot 48% from the field. Irving’s ability to score efficiently and create plays for teammates helped Dallas maintain its lead for most of the contest.
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On the other side of the ball, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his torrid pace to start the season, exploding for 36 points and keeping Oklahoma City in striking distance throughout the game. The Thunder entered the matchup with an 11-2 record, the best in the Western Conference, but they were tested without their star big man, Chet Holmgren, who remains out. Gilgeous-Alexander, along with Jalen Williams, who added 27 points, pushed the Thunder to their limits, nearly pulling off a dramatic comeback in the final minutes.
With just over six minutes remaining, Oklahoma City trailed by 14, 112-98, but a relentless rally brought them within striking distance. Gilgeous-Alexander drained a deep 3-pointer with 25.2 seconds left to cut the Dallas lead to 121-118, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. The Thunder’s defense, particularly on Irving, forced a jump ball with 8 seconds left, which Gilgeous-Alexander won, giving Oklahoma City a chance to tie the game.
After the jump ball, the Thunder called a timeout with 6.6 seconds remaining, setting up a critical sequence. Dallas fouled Gilgeous-Alexander with 4.3 seconds on the clock. He made the first free throw but missed the second. The Thunder had one final opportunity to tie the game, but Lu Dort’s contested 3-pointer at the buzzer was off the mark, sealing the Mavericks’ hard-fought win.
One of the key takeaways from this game was how Dallas exploited Oklahoma City’s size disadvantage. Despite committing 16 turnovers, the Mavericks minimized the Thunder’s fast-break opportunities, where they often generate extra shot attempts through their defensive pressure. Oklahoma City, typically known for its ability to disrupt offenses, wasn’t able to force enough turnovers to overcome the Mavericks’ more controlled play.
Another defining aspect of the game was the free throw disparity. Dallas capitalized at the line, hitting 30 of their 36 free throw attempts, compared to Oklahoma City’s 19 of 25. This marked a significant shift in the game’s flow, as the Mavericks were able to extend their lead at critical moments by converting at the charity stripe.
In terms of individual performances, Washington’s double-double was a major storyline, but the Mavericks’ overall team defense and Irving’s poise were also crucial in securing the win. Dallas’ ability to stay calm and composed in the clutch moments, especially when the Thunder’s comeback bid had them rattled, speaks volumes about their depth and maturity as a team.
Oklahoma City, despite the loss, showed resilience in nearly overcoming a sizable deficit. The Thunder’s impressive offense, led by Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams, showed they can still compete at a high level, even without Holmgren. Their ability to play small and generate opportunities through forced turnovers continues to be a major strength, but they were outmatched in terms of size and physicality in this matchup.
The Mavericks will look to build on this win as they head into a home matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City will look to bounce back when they visit San Antonio on the same day, aiming to keep pace at the top of the Western Conference.
For the Mavericks, this victory was a testament to their ability to adapt and overcome adversity, while for the Thunder, it was a reminder of how critical every possession is, especially when facing a team with the offensive firepower and rebounding prowess of Dallas. The game was a thrilling example of NBA basketball at its finest, with high-scoring performances and dramatic moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.