The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a stunning performance against the Dallas Mavericks, winning 118-104 in a pivotal matchup. This isn’t full revenge for last year’s playoff exit, but it matters. They advanced to the NBA Cup semifinals, proving they belong among the league’s elite.
Facing either the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets next, the Thunder are on a roll. On a night where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked like a superstar, Luka Dončić faced some serious challenges. Gilgeous-Alexander lit up the scoreboard, dropping an impressive 39 points.
Meanwhile, Dončić struggled, managing only 16 points on tough shooting. At halftime, he had a mere two points. That can’t be easy. The shadow of last season’s elimination loomed large.
Dončić’s performance has become a troubling trend against OKC. Still, he fought back in the fourth quarter, trying to close the gap. But Dallas never got that close. The Thunder’s relentless defense made every possession feel like a grind.
Gilgeous-Alexander did it all. He showcased his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking skills. The Thunder star shot 15-of-23 from the field, steering the team to victory.
“He gets his teammates involved,” noted Dončić. Indeed, it was a classic display of teamwork. Oklahoma City entered with a chip on their shoulder as the West’s top seed. Without Chet Holmgren, they still dominated.
They came into this match ready, eager to showcase the growth they’ve made since that playoff disappointment. And they delivered. Winning is the ultimate goal, especially when it means cash prizes. Each player could walk away with over $500,000 if they keep up this momentum.
Yet, there’s more at stake than just the money. This win is part of a larger journey, one that leads them back to title contention. There’s a feeling of momentum in the air. Fans can sense it.
After years of rebuilding, the Thunder finally seem to have a formidable team. Can they maintain this level of play? Only time will tell. The NBA Cup is a big stage, but it’s just the beginning.
So, the question remains: What’s next for the Thunder? They’ve shown they can beat the Mavericks. But can they carry this energy into the semifinals? That’s a story many are eager to follow.
