In a thrilling NBA Cup quarterfinal, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a solid 118-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, showcasing their defensive strength and offensive firepower. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge for the Thunder, scoring an impressive 39 points, while Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 18 and 10 points, respectively.
Oklahoma City dominated much of the game, leading by as much as 20 points in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference semifinals, which Dallas had won 4-2. The Thunder’s defensive strategy proved effective, particularly against star player Luka Doncic, who was held to just 16 points on 5-for-15 shooting. Lu Dort played a pivotal role in this defensive effort, supported by Alex Caruso and rookie Cason Wallace.
Despite the Mavericks’ efforts from Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson, who scored 19 points each, and Kyrie Irving’s 17 points, they struggled with ball control, committing 19 turnovers that allowed the Thunder to capitalize with 36 points off those mistakes.
A key moment in the game came when Oklahoma City started the second half with a 13-2 run, propelled by nine points from Gilgeous-Alexander, which helped establish a decisive lead. The Thunder rebounded effectively, outpacing the Mavericks 52 to 44, thanks in part to the offseason addition of Hartenstein, who provided essential size and presence in the paint.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks are set to host the Los Angeles Clippers on December 19, while the Thunder will face either the Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets in the semifinals on Saturday in Las Vegas.
This victory highlights the Thunder’s potential as a strong contender in the league, especially with their blend of vibrant young talent and strategic depth. As they advance in the NBA Cup, they carry momentum that could translate well into the regular season, bringing a hopeful outlook for fans as the competition heats up.