OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks 118-104 on Tuesday night in an NBA Cup quarterfinal.
Jalen Williams scored 18 points and Isaiah Hartenstein added 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Thunder, who will play Wednesday’s Golden State-Houston winner in a semifinal on saturday in las Vegas.
Oklahoma City’s largest lead was 20 points in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference semifinals series that Dallas won 4-2.
The Thunder and their collection of elite perimeter defenders held luka Doncic to 16 points on 5-for-15 shooting. Luguentz Dort led the effort, with Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace among the primary helpers.
Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson each scored 19 points and Kyrie Irving added 17 for the Mavericks.
Oklahoma City led 57-54 at halftime behind 18 points from Gilgeous-Alexander. Doncic had two points on 1-for-7 shooting at the break.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 16 points on 7-for-8 shooting in the third quarter to help the Thunder take control. Isaiah Joe’s deep 3-pointer at the buzzer gave Oklahoma city a 90-73 lead heading into the fourth.
Takeaways
Mavericks: Dallas made too many mistakes to have a chance.The Thunder scored 36 points off the Mavericks’ 19 turnovers.
Thunder: Oklahoma City brought in the 7-foot, 255-pound Hartenstein as a free agent in the offseason to provide bulk and rebounding. It paid off — the Thunder outrebounded the Mavericks 52-44.
Key moment
Oklahoma City opened the second half on a 13-2 run. Gilgeous-Alexander scored nine points during that stretch to help the Thunder take a 70-56 lead.
Key stat
The Mavericks made just 6 of 19 field goals in the third quarter after shooting 50% from the field in the first half.
Up next
Mavericks: Host the los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 19.
Thunder: Will play Golden State or Houston in the NBA Cup semifinals Saturday in Las Vegas.
What where the key factors that led to the oklahoma City Thunder’s victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Cup quarterfinals?
Interview: Analyzing the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Statement Win Over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals
Published on December 11, 2024
Editor (time.news): Thank you for joining us today. We have with us dr. Mike Anderson, sports analyst and former collegiate player, to discuss the Oklahoma City Thunder’s notable 118-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Mike,what were your initial thoughts on this matchup?
Dr. Mike Anderson: Thanks for having me! It was a significant win for the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance, scoring 39 points, was crucial. It displayed not only his ability but also highlighted how the Thunder have developed into a formidable team with a strong supporting cast, including Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Editor: Gilgeous-Alexander seemed to take control, especially in the third quarter. What does that say about his advancement this season?
Dr. Mike Anderson: Gilgeous-Alexander’s development has been remarkable. When you look at his scoring ability—16 points on 7-for-8 shooting in the third quarter—it shows his confidence and capability to take over games. The leading scorer’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations is what separates good players from great ones. The Thunder is clearly built around him, and his leadership is becoming apparent.
Editor: Speaking of leadership, how did the Thunder’s elite perimeter defence contribute to holding Luka Doncic to just 16 points on the night?
Dr. Mike Anderson: Absolutely! The Thunder’s defensive strategy was exceptional. They deployed Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, and rookie Cason Wallace effectively against Doncic. Holding him to 5-for-15 shooting is no small feat—it demonstrates a well-executed game plan. The league has witnessed the difference that strong perimeter defense can make, notably against elite scorers like Doncic.
Editor: The game also featured a key moment when Oklahoma city opened the second half with a 13-2 run. How critical are momentum shifts like this in playoff games?
Dr. Mike Anderson: They are pivotal. Momentum shifts can be game-changing, especially in playoff scenarios. The Thunder’s ability to come out strong in the second half not only demoralizes the opponent but also energizes their own play. Scoring nine points during that run made all the difference in establishing their led. It’s about seizing those moments when your team can capitalize.
editor: The Mavericks recorded 19 turnovers, which the Thunder capitalized on for 36 points. how crucial is ball security in the playoff context?
Dr. Mike Anderson: Ball security is paramount in playoff games. Turnovers can swing momentum quickly, as we saw. The Mavericks made critical mistakes that the Thunder exploited ruthlessly. For Dallas, reducing turnovers is essential if they want to succeed against the higher-tier teams moving forward. A single game can be defined by a few crucial possessions, especially in tight contests.
Editor: Looking ahead, what do you think the Thunder need to focus on as they prepare for the semifinals against either Golden State or Houston?
Dr. Mike anderson: Preparation will be key. They need to maintain that defensive intensity while building on their offensive cohesion. Additionally, having a balance between starting and bench players will be crucial. The Thunder’s rebounding, especially with hartenstein’s contributions, will also need to shine as they move forward, as they outrebounded the Mavericks 52-44.Each playoff team is only going to get tougher, so they must stay focused and adaptable.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mike, for your insights on this thrilling matchup. It’s clear that the Thunder have positioned themselves as a serious contender moving deeper into the NBA Cup.
Dr. Mike Anderson: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for basketball fans, and this season is shaping up to be one for the books.