The energy was electric as the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder went head-to-head in one of the most thrilling NBA matchups this season. Fans were treated to a night of jaw-dropping plays, high-octane scoring, and epic performances from star players. This article delivers a full breakdown of the Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder match player stats, capturing every clutch moment, standout effort, and strategic play.
Game Recap: Mavericks vs Thunder Clash in High-Stakes Showdown
This showdown wasn’t just a regular-season game—it was a battle of playoff-bound teams with something to prove. The Mavericks came out hot, pushing the pace with Luka Doncic leading the charge. But the Thunder, powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, refused to back down. The lead bounced back and forth in a thrilling rollercoaster, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
Final Score and Game Summary
The Mavericks edged out the Thunder with a heart-pounding 112-108 finish. The game featured 15 lead changes and 9 ties. Both teams shot over 45% from the field, and neither gave an inch defensively. This was modern basketball at its best—fast-paced, strategic, and full of emotion.
Key Moments That Shifted Momentum
In the third quarter, Luka nailed back-to-back threes that flipped the lead. Moments later, SGA responded with a highlight-reel drive to the basket, followed by a steal and fast-break dunk. The final two minutes saw clutch free throws and a key defensive stop by the Mavs that sealed the win.
Luka Doncic’s Performance: A Star’s Night in Numbers
Luka Doncic was sensational, pouring in 34 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists. He was everywhere—hitting deep shots, orchestrating the offense, and delivering in crunch time. Luka’s Player Efficiency Rating (PER) stood at an elite 29.5 for the game.
Field Goals, Assists, Rebounds, and Steals
Doncic shot 12-of-22 from the floor, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. His court vision led to multiple assists on corner threes. On the defensive end, he snagged 2 steals and altered shots with his presence.
Advanced Metrics: PER, Usage Rate, and Efficiency
His usage rate hovered around 36%, showing his dominance in offensive flow. Luka posted a true shooting percentage of 63%, underscoring his efficient scoring night. His plus-minus of +8 highlighted his winning impact.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Standout Stats and Leadership
Shai was a force. He delivered 30 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds, showcasing why he’s a franchise cornerstone. His ability to score from mid-range, slash through defenses, and hit tough shots under pressure was unmatched.
Shot Selection and Scoring Breakdown
Shai went 11-of-19 from the field, including 7-of-9 in the paint. He got to the line 8 times, converting 7. His balance of attacking and pulling up made him tough to guard.
Defensive Contributions and Clutch Plays
In the fourth, Shai blocked a layup and picked Luka’s pocket to ignite a run. His defensive rating was a solid 102.5, and he guarded the Mavs’ best players late in the game.
Complete Box Score: Every Player’s Contribution at a Glance
Mavericks Player Stats Overview
Besides Luka, Kyrie Irving chipped in 22 points with 5 assists. Josh Green added 14, while Dereck Lively II controlled the paint with 10 rebounds and 3 blocks. The bench combined for 28 points.
Thunder Player Stats Breakdown
Alongside Shai, Jalen Williams notched 18 points and 7 rebounds. Chet Holmgren contributed 12 points and 9 boards. Isaiah Joe hit three crucial threes off the bench, finishing with 11 points.
Bench Impact: Sixth Men and Role Players Who Changed the Game
High-Energy Substitutes and Their Stats
Tim Hardaway Jr. for Dallas scored 11 off the bench with sharp shooting. For OKC, Aaron Wiggins sparked energy with a plus-minus of +6 and had 4 rebounds with tight defense.
Key Off-the-Bench Contributions for Both Teams
Both benches kept the tempo high and provided relief. Dallas saw strong minutes from rookie Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Thunder’s bench defense stalled Dallas runs and helped in critical moments.
Team Stats Comparison: Offense, Defense, and Ball Control
Shooting Percentages and Turnovers
Mavs shot 48.5% from the field and 39% from deep. OKC shot 46.7% overall but only 33% from three. Dallas committed 10 turnovers versus Thunder’s 12.
Rebound Battles and Paint Dominance
Dallas out-rebounded OKC 46-40. In the paint, the Mavs scored 52 points to Thunder’s 48, showcasing a strong inside presence.
Advanced Analytics: Shot Charts, Plus-Minus, and Player Efficiency
Shot Zones and Heat Maps
Dallas excelled from the left wing and baseline corners. Thunder were hot in the midrange. Luka and Shai dominated their zones with high shot quality.
Offensive and Defensive Rating Insights
Mavs had an offensive rating of 116.8 and defensive rating of 109.7. Thunder posted 113.5 offensively but allowed too many second-chance points, hurting their rating.
Game Tempo and Strategy: Who Controlled the Pace?
Possessions Per Game and Transition Plays
The game featured 98 possessions per team. Both teams pushed pace in spurts, but Dallas controlled half-court execution better.
Coaching Tactics and Adjustments
Coach Jason Kidd adjusted the defense mid-third quarter, doubling Shai and switching zones, which disrupted OKC’s rhythm. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault responded with quicker ball movement, keeping it close.
Injury Report and Substitution Impact on Team Dynamics
Rotations Affected by Player Availability
Dallas missed Maxi Kleber, impacting spacing. OKC played without Kenrich Williams, affecting their bench rotations.
How Injuries Shifted Team Chemistry
Despite absences, both teams adapted well. Young players stepped up and coaches shortened rotations to keep intensity high.
What This Match Means for Playoff Standings and Momentum
Implications for Western Conference Rankings
With this win, Dallas moved up to 5th in the West. OKC remains in the top 4 but feels pressure from behind. Every game counts now.
Psychological Edge Moving Forward
Dallas walks away confident, knowing they can close tight games. OKC learns valuable lessons about late-game execution.
Conclusion: What We Learned from This Mavericks vs Thunder Matchup
This matchup delivered everything a fan could want—stars shining, young talent rising, and both teams fighting like champions. Luka and Shai proved they’re elite, benches mattered, and every possession was war. As playoffs near, this game will be remembered as a preview of battles to come.
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FAQs About Mavericks or Thunder
How did Luka Doncic perform against OKC Thunder in this game?
Luka was dominant with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. He shot efficiently, made smart plays, and delivered in clutch moments. His presence was felt all over the court.
What were Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s key contributions in the match?
Shai had 30 points and was a driving force for OKC. He scored inside, drew fouls, and even made defensive plays late in the game. He showed leadership and all-star skill.
Which team had better overall stats: Mavericks or Thunder?
The Mavericks edged OKC in shooting percentage, rebounding, and fewer turnovers. While OKC kept it close, Dallas was just slightly better across key metrics.
Who were the top bench performers in the Mavericks vs Thunder game?
Tim Hardaway Jr. for Dallas and Isaiah Joe for OKC stood out. Both hit timely shots and gave their teams a lift when needed.
How does this game affect the playoff chances for both teams?
Dallas improved their seeding with this win, gaining momentum. OKC stays strong but must tighten up in late-game situations to keep pace in the West.