The Dallas Mavericks wrapped up their two-game homestand against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, but the Thunder defeated the Mavericks 100-87 at the American Airlines Center. Oklahoma City improved to 47-15, while Dallas fell to 21-38.
Dallas hosted Kyrie Irving Collectible Pin Night and sported the Pegasus City jerseys. The first 5,000 ticketed fans received a Kyrie Irving collectible pin. One lucky fan acquired a golden Irving collectible pin and won a $250 Dave & Buster’s gift card.
In Case You Missed It
The Dallas Mavericks got blown out 124-105 by the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Brandon Williams led the Mavericks with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Cam Spencer led the Grizzlies with 25 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Memphis named Olivier-Maxence Prosper its Player of the Game. Prosper, 23, finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 assist against his former team.
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Denver Nuggets 127-121 in overtime on Friday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 26 points, 3 rebounds, and 9 assists. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 39 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Starters
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Williams, Max Christie, Khris Middleton, Caleb Martin, and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), Irving (left knee surgery), Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain), Marvin Bagley III (neck sprain), PJ Washington Jr. (left ankle sprain), and Naji Marshall (right finger contusion).
Dallas signed Ryan Nembhard to a multi-year contract on Sunday. Dallas also signed John Poulakidas and Tyler Smith to two-way contracts. In a subsequent move, Dallas requested waivers on two-way star Miles Kelly. The deals’ terms weren’t disclosed, per team policy.
Oklahoma City’s starting lineup featured Gilgeous-Alexander, Wallace, Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein. Oklahoma City ruled out Thomas Sorber (right knee surgery), Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain), Ajay Mitchell (abdomen/ankle), and Branden Carlson (lower back soreness).
Mavericks vs. Thunder Recap
Dallas and Oklahoma City are rivals, but this didn’t sling Dallas to the front of the line as contenders to Oklahoma City’s throne. Still, Dallas’ defense continues to entertain the defensive-minded individuals.
Both teams saw a slow start to the first quarter, but shrugged off the sluggishness. Dallas shone early as Gafford threw down a powerful slam. Oklahoma City’s 12-0 run stifled Dallas, thanks to a solid defense to offense flow and efficiency, midway through the first. Holmgren dropped a defender with a pump fake and a dribble drive to score at the rim. Oklahoma City took a 36-25 lead to end the first.
Klay Thompson suffered a right adductor contusion. Thompson, 36, didn’t return to Sunday’s game. Thompson’s recovery timeline remains uncertain as of Sunday. However, a Grade 1 diagnosis can cause a 2–3-week absence, while a Grade 2 or 3 counterpart can spark a 2–3-month recovery.
Both teams saw another slow start to the second quarter, but brushed off the sluggishness. Gilgeous-Alexander nailed a pull-up three-pointer to impress the Oklahoma City Thunder fans in attendance. Martin hit back-to-back buckets and a corner three-pointer. Oklahoma City took a 58-49 lead into halftime.
Both teams saw memorable moments throughout the third quarter. Middleton made a field goal from a distance. Nembhard hit a fadeaway in the paint over Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander responded with a sequence of buckets. Wallace picked up Williams’ dropped pass and found Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished at the rim. Oklahoma City took an 83-69 lead through three quarters.
Both teams played rather low-key basketball in the fourth quarter, but Oklahoma City maintained a six-point lead by the four-minute mark. Oklahoma City won 100-87 in regulation.
Next Steps
The Dallas Mavericks open a six-game road trip starting with the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Dallas can improve defensive intensity, increase offensive efficiency, and focus on ball movement to pull off an upset over Charlotte.
The Oklahoma City Thunder continue a three-game road trip visiting the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Central. Oklahoma City can focus on offense, control the lane, and maintain a winning streak for a win over Chicago.
