The OKC Thunder have qualified for the Semi-Finals of the NBA Cup after defeating the Dallas Mavericks 118-104 at home in the Paycom Center. This was a revenge win for OKC who have already lost to the Mavericks earlier this season, as well as in the 2024 Playoffs.
The Thunder were led by an MVP-worthy performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who put up 39 points (15-23 FG), eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Jalen Williams scored 18 points (8-21 FG) with seven rebounds and four assists, while Isaiah Hartenstein notched another double-double with 10 points (5-11 FG) and 13 rebounds. Lu Dort and Cason Wallace both scored 11 points in the win (4-10 FG).
The Mavericks were led by Naji Marshall’s 19 points (7-11 FG) off the bench with Klay Thompson putting up 19 points (7-14 FG) as well. Kyrie Irving had a quiet night with 17 points (7-14 FG). Luka Doncic had a disappointing performance with 16 points (5-15 FG), 11 rebounds, five assists, and four steals, as he couldn’t step up offensively when the team needed him to.
Let’s take a look at the biggest takeaways from this NBA Cup clash.
OKC Outplayed Dallas
Analyzing this game makes it clear that the Thunder outperformed the Mavericks by just enough in almost every key category on the night to ensure this win fell their way. The Mavericks were an efficient offense despite Luka Doncic’s (5-15 FG) struggles, shooting 38-80 (47.5 FG%) from the field and 15-36 (41.7 3P%) from three. However, the Thunder shot at similar efficiency but on a much greater volume, going 46-101 (45.5 FG%) from the field and 20-50 (40.0 3P%) from three.Â
The Thunder outrebounded the Mavericks 52-44, out-assisted them 29-25, blocked more shots at 5-2, and even forced Dallas into 18 turnovers compared to their own 13. OKC’s 14 steals in the game compared to Dallas’ 10 also made a big difference in this game, with the Mavs being outplayed across the board by the No. 1 seed in the Conference.
Everything the Mavericks did tonight, OKC managed to do it better. It’s hard to beat strong teams like the Thunder, but if the Mavs want to be considered the biggest threats in the West, they’ll have to be able to match up with the team that occupied the No. 1 seed last season and look well on their way at earning that position this season as well.
P.J. Washington’s Absence Was Felt
The x-factor for the Mavericks in recent games when they face the OKC Thunder has been P.J. Washington. Washington was ruled out of the game a few hours before tip-off due to an illness, leaving a clear hole at power forward for the Mavericks which they elected to fill by starting Quentin Grimes out of position. Washington’s size, defense, and three-point shooting were sorely missed.
While Washington has averaged 12.1 points and 7.0 rebounds as a Maverick since joining in February, he has averaged 15.7 points and 9.0 rebounds against the OKC Thunder. He averaged 17.7 points and 8.3 rebounds in the Playoffs and was considered one of the keys behind the Mavericks 4-2 series win over them. In addition, Washington put up 27 points and 17 rebounds in a Mavs win over OKC earlier this season where Doncic didn’t play.
A gritty frontcourt role-player who will do the dirty work with a smile is very important for any team wanting to contend, and the Mavericks have that with Washington. But without the forward, Dallas looked mostly flat against OKC on both ends of the court.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is Looking A Level Ahead Of Luka Doncic
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic are arguably the two best players to have come out of the 2018 NBA Draft, with Doncic considered to be the best for the first five years of their careers. Shai and OKC’s emergence has caused those conversations to become more contentious, with tonight’s game proving that Shai is objectively ahead of Luka as far as this season is concerned.
Doncic scored just two points in the first half of the game as Dallas trailed by just three. Considering Luka had 20+ points in the first half of the last two Mavs wins, his production drop-off directly impacted the franchise tonight. He played above-average defense and his presence was important, but he was a huge disappointment offensively in a game the Mavericks needed to win.
Doncic is averaging 28.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists this season on 45.0% from the field while Shai is averaging 29.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists on 50.8% from the field. The Thunder have a better record and Shai has the better numbers, edging this guard battle in Shai’s favor convincingly this season.Â
Tonight’s game was proof that a gulf in production is emerging between the two guards, with Shai looking like a better pick for MVP and for the title of the best guard in the NBA.
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