DALLAS — In a thrilling matchup on Friday night, the Dallas Mavericks triumphed over the Oklahoma City Thunder with a score of 106-98, thanks in part to Kyrie Irving’s impressive performance, which included 25 points. Both Spencer Dinwiddie and P.J. Washington Jr. contributed significantly to the victory, adding 16 points each. The contest marked a crucial moment for the Mavericks, who successfully halted a three-game losing streak while the Thunder faced their first game of the season without their star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads the NBA in scoring with an average of 31.6 points per game, was absent due to a sprained wrist. His absence came just one night after he put on a show, scoring 40 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a decisive 134-114 win that highlighted the battle between the leaders of the Western and Eastern Conferences.
The Mavericks seized control of the game during the second quarter, outscoring Oklahoma City 41-17, including a remarkable 16-3 advantage in points generated from turnovers, which allowed them to lead by 20 points at halftime, 63-43. However, the Thunder mounted a fierce comeback in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to just one point at 77-76 after a dominant 33-point performance. Nonetheless, Dallas clinched the game with a strong fourth quarter, outscoring the Thunder 29-22.
Jalen Williams led the scoring for Oklahoma City with 19 points, while Lu Dort chipped in with 18. Notably, the Thunder struggled as it was the first occasion this season where they did not have any player surpass the 20-point threshold.
In terms of injuries, Mavericks’ center Dereck Lively II sat out for the second consecutive game due to an ankle sprain. Compounding their challenges, Jaden Hardy also sustained an ankle injury in just over a minute of play during the first half, while Dwight Powell injured his hip later in the game.
A pivotal moment came late in the game when the Thunder successfully challenged a call to regain possession while trailing 98-93 with only 1:20 left on the clock. Kyrie Irving then secured a rebound from Williams’ missed floater, and Dinwiddie followed up with a crucial three-pointer, extending the Mavericks’ lead to eight.
This victory is particularly noteworthy, as the Mavericks became the first team to achieve a double victory over the Thunder this season, accomplishing both wins without their star player, Luka Don?i?, who has been sidelined since Christmas due to a calf strain.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will embark on a three-game homestand starting Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets, while the Mavericks will be on the road facing the Charlotte Hornets on Monday.
