Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Shines as Thunder Defeat Mavericks to Reach NBA Cup Semifinals

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a commanding performance, scoring 39 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday night. 

The win sets up a semifinal clash for the Thunder on Saturday in Las Vegas against the winner of Wednesday’s Golden State-Houston matchup.

Jalen Williams contributed 18 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein added a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, solidifying the Thunder’s dominance. The team’s largest lead was 20 points in what served as a rematch of last season’s Western Conference semifinals, where Dallas emerged victorious.

Oklahoma City’s defensive effort was crucial in the win, holding Mavericks star Luka Doncic to just 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting. Luguentz Dort spearheaded the defensive efforts, supported by Alex Caruso and rookie Cason Wallace. 

The Mavericks, missing P.J. Washington due to illness, struggled to match the Thunder’s intensity, committing 19 turnovers that led to 36 Oklahoma City points.

Oklahoma City took a narrow 57-54 lead into halftime, fueled by 18 points from Gilgeous-Alexander. Doncic, who was stifled by the Thunder’s perimeter defense, managed just two points on 1-for-7 shooting in the first half.

The Thunder broke the game open in the third quarter, launching a 13-2 run to start the second half. Gilgeous-Alexander scored nine points during the stretch, helping Oklahoma City extend its lead to 70-56. He continued his hot hand, adding 16 points in the quarter on near-perfect 7-of-8 shooting.

Isaiah Joe capped the dominant third quarter with a deep buzzer-beating 3-pointer, giving the Thunder a commanding 90-73 advantage heading into the final frame. The Mavericks couldn’t recover, making just six of their 19 field goal attempts in the third after shooting 50% in the first half.

The Thunder’s offseason acquisition of Isaiah Hartenstein proved valuable, with the 7-foot center providing physicality and rebounding. Oklahoma City outrebounded Dallas 52-44, giving them a decisive edge on the boards.

For the Mavericks, turnovers and inconsistency plagued their performance. Despite solid scoring efforts from Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson, who each tallied 19 points, and Kyrie Irving’s 17 points, Dallas failed to capitalize on key moments.

The Mavericks will look to regroup as they host the Los Angeles Clippers on December 19. The Thunder, meanwhile, will aim to continue their strong form in the NBA Cup semifinals on Saturday in Las Vegas.