In a thrilling NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a decisive 118-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his scoring prowess with an impressive 39 points, helping his team secure a spot in the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Golden State-Houston game on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 18 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein made a notable impact with 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Thunder’s defense was particularly effective, limiting Mavericks’ star Luka Doncic to just 16 points on 5-for-15 shooting, thanks to strong efforts from Lu Dort and Cason Wallace.
Oklahoma City’s dominance was reflected in their ability to capitalize on Dallas’ mistakes. The Mavericks struggled with turnovers, giving up 19, which resulted in 36 points for the Thunder. Additionally, Oklahoma City’s rebounding was superior, outpacing Dallas 52-44.
The game turned decisively in the Thunder’s favor during the third quarter, where they executed a 13-2 run, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring nine points during that stretch. By the end of the quarter, Oklahoma City held a commanding 90-73 lead.
A notable absence for the Mavericks was P.J. Washington, who missed the game due to illness and had previously been a thorn in Oklahoma City’s side.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will host the Los Angeles Clippers on December 19, while the Thunder eagerly awaits their semifinals matchup.
This victory for the Thunder not only reflects their current strength in the league but also sets a hopeful tone for their performance in future games, especially with the caliber of talent and teamwork on display.
In summary, Oklahoma City’s ability to convert turnovers into points and dominate the boards ultimately led them to a confident win, showcasing their readiness for the next challenge in the NBA Cup.