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| Jan 23, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) gestures after a play against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Paycom Center. |
The Oklahoma City Thunder's recent loss to the Dallas Mavericks, 121-115, marks their third defeat to Dallas this season, leaving them with only five losses to other NBA teams. This follows last season's playoff elimination at the hands of the Mavericks in six games. With the rivalry’s intense emotions, both on and off the court, Thursday’s game left nothing but frustration in its wake.
Oklahoma City was already shorthanded before the game, missing Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Isaiah Joe, Ajay Mitchell, and Ousmane Dieng. Lu Dort was ejected, and Cason Wallace took a hard hit to the face. With Nikola Topic waiting for his NBA debut next season, the Thunder found themselves down eight roster spots. Despite this, Oklahoma City has impressed with a 36-8 record, holding the top seed in the Western Conference and the second-best record in the NBA.
However, they couldn’t outdo the Mavericks in this game either. Dallas played without Luka Doncic, Dereck Lively II, Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, Jaden Hardy, Dante Exum, and Dwight Powell. The takeaway here is that no matter how well players performed or how much history and emotion surrounded the matchup, the result remains unpredictable.
When the Thunder has solid rim protection, their defense is a much stronger force. Come playoff time, Oklahoma City is adding two top-15 centers, a strategic response to last year when the Mavericks dominated during Holmgren’s absence. In contrast, the Mavericks are a matchup nightmare when they have Luka Doncic and Dereck Lively II. Although Lu Dort did a solid job on Doncic earlier this season, his presence alone doesn’t nullify the advantage Doncic’s scoring gravity gives Dallas. Lively, a rim protector and perfect fit next to Doncic and Irving, creates a major challenge for opposing defenses.
The Mavericks also benefit from the talents of marginal players like Naji Marshall and Isaiah Joe. Marshall is one of their best point-of-attack defenders, and Joe is not only Oklahoma City’s top shooter but also one of the most respected, making it harder for teams to collapse on the Thunder’s drive-heavy players.
Looking ahead to a potential playoff matchup, the Thunder won’t rely on players like Jaylin Williams, Dillon Jones, or Branden Carlson for minutes in critical moments. By then, Oklahoma City will have a much stronger, more complete lineup. So, what’s the takeaway from this loss? Pure frustration in Bricktown over another defeat to the Mavericks. Nothing more, nothing less.
Stiles Points:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named an All-Star Starter for the second time in his career, marking his third All-Star appearance.
- The Thunder finished their season series with the Mavericks 1-3, with none of the games featuring fully healthy rosters. The closest to full strength? The one Thunder victory.
- Jalen Williams had one of his best games of the season, particularly impressive against the Mavericks. He was crucial in all four quarters, even leading a personal 5-0 run and scoring the Thunder’s first eight points.
- Alex Caruso played just 22 minutes in the game.
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