Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 39-Point Masterclass Sends Thunder to NBA Cup Semifinals
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to Las Vegas, and they have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to thank for it. The star guard delivered a jaw-dropping 39-point performance on Tuesday night, leading the Thunder to a 118-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA Cup quarterfinal showdown. This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.
Gilgeous-Alexander was unstoppable, scoring at will and setting the tone for a Thunder team that looks like a legitimate contender in this inaugural NBA Cup tournament. His 18 first-half points kept Oklahoma City in control, but it was his third-quarter explosion—16 points on 7-for-8 shooting—that truly broke the game open. By the time Isaiah Joe nailed a deep three-pointer at the buzzer to close the third, the Thunder had built a commanding 90-73 lead, and the Mavericks were left scrambling for answers.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Gilgeous-Alexander stole the show, he wasn’t alone in this effort. Jalen Williams chipped in 18 points, and Isaiah Hartenstein made his presence felt with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Hartenstein, a 7-foot, 255-pound offseason acquisition, was brought in to add size and rebounding to the Thunder’s lineup, and he delivered in a big way. Oklahoma City outrebounded Dallas 52-44, a key factor in their victory.
On the defensive end, the Thunder’s elite perimeter defenders put on a clinic. Luka Doncic, the Mavericks’ superstar, was held to just 16 points on 5-for-15 shooting. Luguentz Dort led the defensive charge, with Alex Caruso and rookie Cason Wallace providing valuable support. It was a team effort that completely neutralized one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players.
Mavericks Struggle Without P.J. Washington
For Dallas, it was a night to forget. The Mavericks committed 19 turnovers, leading to 36 points for the Thunder—a margin that proved insurmountable. P.J. Washington, who has been a thorn in Oklahoma City’s side in recent matchups, missed the game due to illness, and his absence was glaring. Without Washington, the Mavericks lacked the firepower and defensive presence needed to keep up with the Thunder.
Despite the loss, there were some bright spots for Dallas. Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson each scored 19 points, while Kyrie Irving added 17. But it wasn’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s relentless attack and stifling defense.
Key Moments and Takeaways
The turning point of the game came early in the second half. Oklahoma City opened the third quarter on a 13-2 run, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring nine of those points. By the time the Mavericks managed to regroup, the Thunder had built a 70-56 lead, and the game was effectively out of reach.
Here are some key takeaways from the game:
- Mavericks: Dallas made too many mistakes to compete. Their 19 turnovers were costly, and their third-quarter shooting slump—just 6 of 19 from the field—sealed their fate.
- Thunder: Oklahoma City’s offseason moves are paying dividends. Hartenstein’s size and rebounding were crucial, and the team’s defensive depth was on full display.
What’s Next?
With the win, the Thunder advance to the NBA Cup semifinals, where they’ll face the winner of Wednesday’s Golden State-Houston matchup. The game will take place on Saturday in Las Vegas, and you can bet Oklahoma City will be ready to bring the heat.
As for the Mavericks, they’ll have some time to regroup before hosting the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 19. With P.J. Washington expected to return, Dallas will look to bounce back and refocus on the regular season.
Final Thoughts
This game was more than just a quarterfinal matchup—it was a showcase of what the Thunder are capable of. With Gilgeous-Alexander playing at an MVP level and a supporting cast that’s clicking on all cylinders, Oklahoma City looks like a team that could go all the way in this tournament. For now, all eyes are on Las Vegas, where the Thunder will look to keep their NBA Cup dreams alive.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
