Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder To Victory Over Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, left, handles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) defends during the first half of an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 202

The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a convincing 118-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup held on Tuesday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge for the Thunder with an impressive 39-point performance, supported by Jalen Williams' 18 points and Isaiah Hartenstein's double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds.

The Thunder, who held a lead as large as 20 points during the game, are now set to face the winner of the Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets matchup in the semifinals scheduled for Saturday in Las Vegas.

Thunder will face the winner of Golden State vs. Houston in the semifinals.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 points for the Thunder.

Lu Dort and team limited Luka Doncic to 16 points.

Isaiah Hartenstein had a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Thunder capitalized on Mavericks' turnovers, scoring 36 points.

This game marked a rematch of last season's Western Conference semifinals series, which the Mavericks had won 4-2. However, the Thunder's elite perimeter defenders, led by Lu Dort and supported by Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace, managed to limit Luka Doncic to just 16 points on 5-for-15 shooting.

Despite solid performances from Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks fell short against the Thunder. P.J. Washington, a key player for Dallas in previous matchups, was sidelined due to illness.

At halftime, the Thunder held a narrow 57-54 lead, with Gilgeous-Alexander contributing 18 points. However, a dominant third quarter, highlighted by Gilgeous-Alexander's 16 points, allowed Oklahoma City to extend their lead to 90-73 heading into the final quarter.

Oklahoma City capitalized on Dallas' mistakes, scoring 36 points off the Mavericks' 19 turnovers. Additionally, the Thunder's offseason acquisition, Isaiah Hartenstein, proved instrumental in the victory, as his presence in the paint helped the team outrebound the Mavericks 52-44.

The key moment in the game came as the Thunder opened the second half with a 13-2 run, with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge to establish a commanding 70-56 lead.

Looking ahead, the Mavericks are scheduled to host the Los Angeles Clippers on December 19, while the Thunder will await their opponent from the Golden State-Houston matchup for the NBA Cup semifinals on Saturday in Las Vegas.

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