OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks: Match Player Stats Breakdown

okc thunder vs dallas mavericks match player stats? The showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) and the Dallas Mavericks is always a highly anticipated contest in the NBA. These two teams have faced off numerous times over the years, with each game adding another chapter to their budding rivalry. Both teams are known for their unique playing styles, their mix of experienced veterans and rising stars, and their passionate fan bases.

In this comprehensive analysis, we will break down the player stats from a recent matchup between OKC Thunder and Dallas Mavericks, diving deep into the performance of key players, overall team statistics, and what these numbers say about the trajectory of both teams.

1. Team Overview

Oklahoma City Thunder Overview:

The Oklahoma City Thunder has been rebuilding after the departure of superstars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George. However, under the leadership of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) and an impressive array of young talents, the Thunder is showing signs of growth. Their style revolves around fast-paced, transition-heavy basketball, relying on their athleticism and youthful exuberance to challenge established teams like the Mavericks.

Head Coach: Mark Daigneault
Key Players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Chet Holmgren (rookie), Luguentz Dort

Dallas Mavericks Overview:

The Dallas Mavericks, led by the superstar Luka Dončić, have consistently been playoff contenders. Known for their high basketball IQ and offensive efficiency, the Mavericks thrive on ball movement and Luka’s ability to control the game’s tempo. Their success largely depends on Luka’s performance, but they also have capable role players who can step up when needed.

Head Coach: Jason Kidd
Key Players: Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr., Grant Williams

2. Match Recap

Before diving into the stats, let’s briefly recap the game. The matchup between the OKC Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks lived up to its hype. Both teams came out firing, with Oklahoma City’s youth and athleticism challenging the experienced Mavericks. While Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving put on a clinic in ball handling and scoring, the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander matched them shot for shot, supported by the ever-improving Josh Giddey and rookie sensation Chet Holmgren.

The game was a tight contest, with multiple lead changes throughout. The Mavericks relied on Luka’s playmaking, while OKC found success driving to the basket and playing aggressive defense. In the end, Dallas managed to pull away in the fourth quarter, securing a narrow victory.

3. Player Stats Breakdown

Oklahoma City Thunder: Key Players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)
- Points: 34
- Assists: 8
- Rebounds: 7
- Steals: 2
- Field Goal Percentage: 53%
Analysis: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to cement himself as one of the NBA’s most dynamic young players. His ability to score from all three levels—driving to the rim, mid-range, and beyond the arc—makes him a versatile offensive weapon. His 34 points in this game were a testament to his aggressiveness, particularly in attacking the rim, where he drew multiple fouls. Beyond scoring, SGA’s 8 assists demonstrated his growing role as a playmaker, creating opportunities for teammates in key moments. His defense, highlighted by 2 steals, showcased his two-way capability.
Josh Giddey
- Points: 16
- Assists: 9
- Rebounds: 11 (Triple-double watch)
- Turnovers: 4
- Field Goal Percentage: 48%
Analysis: Josh Giddey’s near triple-double performance exemplified his growing versatility. Known for his elite court vision, Giddey controlled the pace of OKC’s offense with his passing, finding teammates in transition and threading the needle on difficult passes. His rebounding prowess for a guard is also notable, helping OKC on the glass against a bigger Mavericks team. Giddey’s only downside was his 4 turnovers, often a result of risky passes, but his potential is undeniable.
Chet Holmgren
- Points: 12
- Rebounds: 8
- Blocks: 3
- Field Goal Percentage: 45%
- 3-Point Percentage: 33%
Analysis: As a rookie, Chet Holmgren’s performance was one of the most anticipated storylines of the game. His defensive presence was immediately felt with 3 blocks, providing rim protection and altering several Mavericks’ shots. Offensively, Holmgren contributed 12 points, with a mixture of outside shooting and finishes around the rim. He showcased his potential as a stretch big, hitting a couple of threes, although he will need to improve his consistency from deep to become a true threat.
Luguentz Dort
- Points: 14
- Rebounds: 5
- Steals: 3
- Field Goal Percentage: 41%
Analysis: Dort’s primary value to the Thunder lies in his defensive prowess, and this game was no exception. Tasked with guarding Luka Dončić for much of the game, Dort made Luka work for his points, using his physicality and lateral quickness to contest shots. Offensively, Dort chipped in 14 points, often scoring on cuts to the basket and spot-up threes. His 3 steals were critical in turning defense into offense for OKC.

Dallas Mavericks: Key Players

Luka Dončić
- Points: 38
- Assists: 10
- Rebounds: 9
- Turnovers: 3
- Field Goal Percentage: 56%
Analysis: Luka Dončić was once again the engine that powered the Mavericks’ offense. His 38 points came in a variety of ways—driving to the hoop, hitting step-back threes, and getting to the free-throw line. Luka’s ability to score under pressure and make the right reads for his teammates was on full display, as evidenced by his 10 assists. His near triple-double performance reflected his importance to the Mavericks, who rely on him heavily for both scoring and playmaking. Despite being hounded by Dort on defense, Luka’s elite basketball IQ allowed him to stay productive.
Kyrie Irving
- Points: 28
- Assists: 7
- Rebounds: 6
- Turnovers: 2
- Field Goal Percentage: 50%
Analysis: Kyrie Irving’s ability to take over games with his ball-handling and scoring was on full display. Irving consistently found ways to break down OKC’s defense, getting into the paint for finishes and knocking down mid-range shots. His efficiency—50% from the field—showed how difficult he is to guard when in rhythm. In addition to his scoring, Kyrie’s 7 assists were a key part of Dallas’s offensive flow, as he often set up teammates for open shots when the defense collapsed on him.
Tim Hardaway Jr.
- Points: 15
- Rebounds: 3
- Field Goal Percentage: 44%
- 3-Point Percentage: 38%
Analysis: Hardaway Jr. is known for his perimeter shooting, and he didn’t disappoint in this game. His 15 points provided valuable spacing for the Mavericks, as his 3-point shooting forced OKC to spread their defense, opening up driving lanes for Luka and Kyrie. While his defensive contributions were limited, Hardaway’s ability to hit timely shots from beyond the arc was critical in maintaining Dallas’s offensive rhythm.
Grant Williams
- Points: 10Rebounds: 7Blocks: 2Field Goal Percentage: 46%
Analysis: Grant Williams played his role to perfection in this game. Though not a primary offensive option, Williams’ 10 points were a result of him finding gaps in the defense and taking advantage of mismatches. His defensive contribution was even more valuable, as his 2 blocks and physical defense on OKC’s big men were key to Dallas’s interior defense. Williams’ ability to switch on defense and hit open shots made him a valuable two-way player.

4. Team Comparison: Key Statistics

Points in the Paint

OKC Thunder: 46
Dallas Mavericks: 40

Analysis: The Thunder’s athleticism and aggressive drives to the rim allowed them to outscore the Mavericks in the paint. SGA and Giddey were particularly effective in attacking the basket, whereas Dallas relied more on perimeter shooting and Luka’s floaters to get their points in the paint.

Three-Point Shooting

OKC Thunder: 10-29 (34%)
Dallas Mavericks: 14-35 (40%)

Analysis: Dallas’s three-point shooting was a significant factor in their victory. The Mavericks have always been a strong perimeter shooting team, and in this game,