Gilgeous-Alexander’s Explosive 39-Point Performance Leaves Mavericks Stunned

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an incredible 39-point performance, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Tuesday night’s NBA Cup quarterfinal. With the win, the Thunder advance to the semifinals in Las Vegas, where they will face the winner of Wednesday’s matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets.

Thunder Dominate with Defense and Efficient Scoring

Oklahoma City asserted control early, building a commanding 20-point lead, which they never relinquished. This victory also marked a rematch of last season’s Western Conference semifinals, where Dallas won 4-2. The Thunder’s defense was the standout story of the night, with their elite perimeter defense putting significant pressure on the Mavericks.

The key to Oklahoma City’s success was limiting Luka Dončić, who had been a dominant force last season. The Thunder’s defense held Dončić to just 16 points on 5-for-15 shooting. Lu Dort was particularly effective in shutting down Dončić, with key defensive support from Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace. The team’s ability to disrupt Dallas’ offense through intense perimeter defense played a crucial role in the victory.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Scoring Spree

Gilgeous-Alexander was the clear offensive leader for Oklahoma City, scoring 18 points in the first half alone. But it was his dazzling performance in the third quarter that truly separated the Thunder from the Mavericks. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 16 points on 7-for-8 shooting in the third, helping Oklahoma City extend their lead and take control of the game. Isaiah Joe added a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer, giving the Thunder a 90-73 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

“Shai was outstanding tonight,” said Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. “He took over the game when we needed him most, and his shooting in the third quarter was incredible.”

Mavericks Struggle with Turnovers and Shooting

Despite strong performances from Naji Marshall (19 points), Klay Thompson (19 points), and Kyrie Irving (17 points), the Mavericks couldn’t overcome their mistakes. Dallas committed 19 turnovers, allowing Oklahoma City to score 36 points off those mistakes. This turnover problem, combined with a shooting slump in the second half, left the Mavericks fighting an uphill battle. Dallas shot just 6-for-19 in the third quarter after hitting 50% of their shots in the first half.

The Mavericks also missed a key player: P.J. Washington, who had been crucial for them in the playoffs last season and in their previous victory against Oklahoma City, was unavailable due to illness.

Oklahoma City’s Size and Depth Prove Vital

Oklahoma City’s rebounding advantage played a significant role in their victory. The Thunder dominated the boards, out rebounding Dallas 52-44. A big reason for that was the play of 7-foot center Isaiah Hartenstein, who was brought in during the offseason to provide strength and rebounding. Hartenstein contributed 10 points and 13 rebounds, adding valuable size to Oklahoma City’s lineup.

“Our rebounding was huge tonight,” Daigneault said. “Isaiah’s presence in the paint really helped us control the game, and we did a great job on the glass.”

Key Moments

The second half proved pivotal for Oklahoma City. The Thunder came out of the locker room on a 13-2 run, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring nine points during that stretch. This gave the Thunder a 70-56 lead and set the tone for the rest of the game. Dallas’ struggles continued in the third quarter, where they were unable to regain momentum, and Oklahoma City capitalized on every opportunity to extend their lead.

By the time the fourth quarter arrived, the Mavericks were unable to recover from the deficit, and the Thunder held on for the win.

What’s Next for the Thunder?

With their 118-104 victory, Oklahoma City advances to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas. They will face the winner of the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets quarterfinal matchup on Saturday. After an impressive all-around team performance, the Thunder are looking to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of the NBA Cup title.