The Dallas Mavericks secured a 121-115 victory over the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, with Spencer Dinwiddie, Kyrie Irving, and P.J. Washington combining for 74 points. The Mavericks improved to 24-21, while the Thunder, who lead the Western Conference, dropped to 36-8.
Dinwiddie led Dallas with 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting, including three triples. Irving contributed 24 points and four assists, while Washington posted an impressive double-double with 22 points and 19 rebounds. Dallas played without Luka Doncic, who has been sidelined for nearly a month due to a left calf strain.
Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 33 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander, named an All-Star starter earlier in the evening, struggled early, hitting just five of his first 15 shots. He rebounded late but could not prevent the Thunder’s loss.
The Thunder held a slim 62-60 lead at halftime, but Dallas dominated the third quarter, outscoring Oklahoma City 31-21. The Mavericks built a 13-point advantage before a buzzer-beater by Gilgeous-Alexander cut the deficit to eight heading into the final period.
Despite forcing 20 turnovers, Oklahoma City managed only 15 points off Dallas’ mistakes. The Mavericks capitalized on their size advantage, outrebounding the Thunder 52-42. Washington’s 19 rebounds, including two on the offensive glass, were pivotal in limiting second-chance opportunities for the Thunder.
Dallas overcame multiple injuries to key players, including center Dereck Lively II, who is sidelined with a stress fracture, and Klay Thompson, who missed the game with a sprained ankle. The bench also stepped up, with Olivier-Maxence Prosper scoring 14 points and Quentin Grimes adding nine.
The Thunder, missing Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren due to injuries, struggled to protect the paint and generate consistent offense. Their bench contributed 32 points, but it was not enough to close the gap against Dallas.
This victory marks the Mavericks’ third win in four meetings with the Thunder this season. Dallas continues to inch up the Western Conference standings, while Oklahoma City remains firmly at the top despite the setback.
