NBA: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder enjoy easy night's work vs. Mavs

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to 132-111 Win Over Mavericks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points in just three quarters as the Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to a 132-111 home victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday.

The win extends Oklahoma City’s hot start, marking their 14th consecutive victory and 22nd win in the first 23 games of the season. Gilgeous-Alexander was highly efficient, shooting 10-of-12 from the field while adding six assists and five rebounds. The reigning Most Valuable Player scored 16 points in the third quarter as the Thunder put the game out of reach.

Dallas had its three-game winning streak snapped, with Jaden Hardy leading the Mavericks off the bench with 23 points, including 12 in the third quarter. Naji Marshall contributed 18 points, while Cooper Flagg added 16.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault made a strategic change by inserting Jaylin Williams into the starting lineup to help contain Dallas’ Anthony Davis. Williams held Davis scoreless until the fourth quarter, and the star big man finished with just two points on 1-of-9 shooting.

Oklahoma City closed the first half on a 20-8 run, scoring on their final 10 possessions to take a 15-point lead into halftime. After the break, the Thunder opened the third quarter with a 23-7 run to push their advantage to 31 points. Dallas briefly cut the lead with an 11-point streak but never got closer than 20 points.

A tense moment occurred midway through the third quarter when Davis grabbed his left knee following a collision with Chet Holmgren. Davis left the game but returned to start the fourth quarter, though the outcome was already decided. He missed his first eight shots and two free throws before finally scoring with a layup four minutes into the fourth quarter.

Jalen Williams and Holmgren each added 15 points for the Thunder. Oklahoma City shot 56% from the field and dominated the paint, outscoring Dallas 62-38. The Thunder also capitalized on turnovers, scoring 18 points off Dallas’ 12 miscues while committing just six turnovers themselves.

The Thunder continue their dominant run despite missing key players. Isaiah Hartenstein, Luguentz Dort, and Alex Caruso were absent, and Isaiah Joe also missed Friday’s game. -Field Level Media/Reuters Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images