The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks brought fireworks to the court in a thrilling NBA showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats. With star-studded lineups, fast-paced action, and record-breaking performances, this game was a masterclass in basketball brilliance. In this detailed breakdown, we’ll dive into player stats, game highlights, advanced analytics, and what made this match unforgettable. Whether you’re a Thunder fan, a Mavs loyalist, or just love great basketball, this article has everything you need about the OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks match player stats.
Game Overview: Thunder vs Mavericks Showdown Recap
This high-octane battle took place at the Paycom Center, where the Thunder hosted the Mavericks in a clash that blended grit, talent, and drama. The final score? Thunder 124, Mavericks 117. Both teams displayed elite offensive firepower and elite execution.
From the opening tip, it was clear this wouldn’t be an ordinary night. The first quarter saw the Mavericks dominate behind Luka Dončić’s sharp shooting and court vision. But the Thunder came roaring back in the second half with a defensive storm and fast break mastery, turning the tide in their favor.
Star Player Face-Off: Luka Dončić vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
This game gave fans a front-row seat to watch two of the NBA’s brightest stars battle it out.
Luka Dončić, always a threat, tallied 38 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. His step-back three-pointers and laser-like passes dazzled the crowd. He controlled the pace, picked apart defenses, and created opportunities with ease.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, however, delivered a jaw-dropping performance with 36 points, 9 assists, and 5 steals. His agility, court IQ, and defensive tenacity were on full display. When the game hung in the balance, Shai stepped up—sealing the win with clutch baskets and intense perimeter defense.
These two superstars lit up the stat sheet and proved why they’re among the best guards in the league.
Full Player Stats for OKC Thunder
The Thunder’s young squad played with heart and hustle. Their chemistry was electric, and their ball movement unstoppable.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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Points: 36
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Assists: 9
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Steals: 5
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FG: 13/21
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3P: 2/4
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FT: 8/9
Josh Giddey
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Points: 14
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Assists: 6
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Rebounds: 7
Chet Holmgren
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Points: 17
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Blocks: 3
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Rebounds: 9
Jalen Williams
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Points: 18
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FG: 7/10
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Assists: 3
Isaiah Joe (off bench)
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Points: 12
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3P: 4/7
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Minutes: 18
The Thunder dominated the stat lines with balanced scoring, high efficiency, and smart defensive switches.
Full Player Stats for Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks leaned heavily on their stars, but depth played a factor in the second half.
Luka Dončić
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Points: 38
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Assists: 10
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Rebounds: 7
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FG: 14/25
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3P: 5/9
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FT: 5/6
Kyrie Irving
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Points: 24
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Assists: 5
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Rebounds: 3
Tim Hardaway Jr.
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Points: 13
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3P: 3/6
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Steals: 1
Dereck Lively II
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Points: 10
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Blocks: 2
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Rebounds: 8
Despite Luka’s heroics, the Mavericks struggled to contain OKC’s bench and gave up key possessions late in the game.
Team Stats Comparison: OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks
Here’s how the two teams stacked up across major categories:
Category | Thunder | Mavericks |
---|---|---|
Field Goal % | 52.8% | 49.6% |
3-Point % | 41.7% | 39.1% |
Assists | 28 | 23 |
Rebounds | 42 | 39 |
Turnovers | 9 | 13 |
Points in the Paint | 54 | 44 |
The Thunder had the edge in efficiency and ball security. Their ability to convert in the paint and limit turnovers proved crucial.
Top 5 Game-Changing Plays: Stats Behind the Moments
Every great game has those iconic plays that shift momentum. Here are the top moments from this clash:
Shai’s Breakaway Steal & Dunk – A third-quarter steal leading to a thunderous dunk turned the tide and got the home crowd roaring.
Luka’s Step-Back Triple – In the fourth quarter, Luka hit a deep three with two defenders in his face, reminding everyone why he’s elite.
Chet’s Game-Saving Block – Late in the game, Holmgren denied Irving at the rim with a monster block that swung momentum.
Giddey’s No-Look Assist – A flashy pass that led to an open corner three, energizing the Thunder bench.
Joe’s Clutch Triple – With under 2 minutes left, Isaiah Joe drained a deep three that stretched the Thunder’s lead.
Bench Performance and Rotations Impact
The difference-maker? OKC’s bench unit. They delivered energy, spacing, and smart rotations.
Thunder’s bench:
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Combined points: 34
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Plus-minus: +18
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FG%: 48.2%
Mavericks’ bench:
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Combined points: 21
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Plus-minus: -11
Mark Daigneault’s coaching adjustments and timely substitutions kept OKC fresh and aggressive.
Advanced Metrics: PER, Usage Rate & Efficiency
When we look deeper into the analytics, the numbers confirm the eye test:
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Shai PER: 29.3 (elite level)
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Luka PER: 31.1 (MVP territory)
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Chet Holmgren’s Defensive Rating: 104
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OKC’s Team EFG%: 56.7%
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Dallas Usage Rate (Luka): 35.8%
These numbers reflect individual impact and how each team executed its game plan.
Defensive & Offensive Matchups That Defined the Game
The Thunder rotated bodies on Luka to wear him down. Lu Dort, Giddey, and even Jalen Williams took turns pestering him. Meanwhile, Dallas struggled to contain Shai without fouling.
Offensively, OKC exploited mismatches using ball screens and backdoor cuts. Their floor spacing and quick ball movement tore through Dallas’s defense.
Historical Context: How This Match Stacks Against Past Encounters
In recent years, OKC and Dallas have traded wins, but this game may signal a power shift. OKC’s youth and depth are maturing quickly. Historically, Dallas led the head-to-head series, but with this win, the Thunder closed the gap.
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Last 10 matchups:
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Mavericks Wins: 6
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Thunder Wins: 4
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This win marks OKC’s third straight home win over Dallas and shows their growth into a true playoff contender.
Final Thoughts: Key Takeaways from the Thunder vs Mavericks Clash
This wasn’t just a regular season game—it felt like a playoff preview. OKC Thunder showcased resilience, unity, and a hunger to win. The Mavericks reminded us of their elite star power but showed vulnerabilities in their bench depth and late-game execution.
With both teams in playoff contention, fans should get excited. These teams are on a collision course for more epic battles. And if this game is any preview, the future of the Western Conference is in excellent hands.
Looking for a different angle on this thrilling rivalry? Don’t miss our full breakdown of the Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder match player stats to see how the tables turned in their last encounter.
For more exciting NBA action, check out the Knicks vs Pacers match player stats — another epic showdown filled with clutch performances and unforgettable highlights.
FAQs About OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks
Who was the top scorer in the OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks game?
Luka Dončić led all scorers with 38 points, putting on a brilliant offensive display. His shot-making, especially from deep, was nearly unstoppable. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander followed closely with 36 points, delivering a more balanced game with strong defense and clutch plays.
What were Luka Dončić’s full stats against the Thunder?
Luka Dončić posted 38 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds in 36 minutes. He shot 14-of-25 from the field, 5-of-9 from three-point range, and 5-of-6 from the free throw line. He also tallied 1 steal and had 3 turnovers.
How did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander perform in the game?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a powerful all-around performance. He finished with 36 points, 9 assists, 5 steals, and shot 13-of-21 from the field. He controlled the game’s tempo and made critical plays on both ends of the floor when it mattered most.
What advanced NBA stats were notable in this matchup?
Several advanced metrics stood out. Luka Dončić recorded a PER of 31.1, showcasing his offensive efficiency. Shai had a PER of 29.3. Chet Holmgren posted a defensive rating of 104 and a block percentage of 6.7%. OKC’s team Effective Field Goal Percentage (EFG%) of 56.7% highlighted their shooting efficiency.
How do Thunder vs Mavericks player stats compare historically?
Historically, Luka Dončić has averaged over 30 points per game against the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s average vs Dallas has climbed steadily, now sitting at around 28 points per game. Over the last five matchups, OKC has shown growing team balance, while Dallas has leaned heavily on its stars. This game confirmed that trend while signaling that the Thunder’s depth might soon tip the scales.