Gilgeous-Alexander Drops 30 in Thunder Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points to lead Oklahoma City past Dallas 100-87, capping the victory with a 12-0 run in the final quarter. The Thunder's defense held the Mavericks to just 34% shooting, strengthening OKC's position in the competitive Western Conference playoff race.
This victory marked Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's second game back after a nine-game absence due to an abdominal strain. He finished the night with a full stat line of 30 points, four rebounds, five assists, and four steals in 30 minutes of play. The win extended a historic streak for Gilgeous-Alexander, who has now scored 20 or more points in 59 consecutive road games, the longest such streak in NBA history. For the season, the reigning MVP is averaging 31.8 points per game. Chet Holmgren was a key contributor in the frontcourt, narrowly missing a double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds. The Thunder as a team now hold a 47-15 record, giving them a three-game lead over the second-place San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference standings. The Dallas Mavericks were significantly shorthanded, playing without several key players including star rookie Cooper Flagg, Naji Marshall, and P.J. Washington Jr. due to injuries. Caleb Martin led the team with a season-high 18 points. This loss was a historic low for the Mavericks, marking their eighth consecutive home defeat, the longest such streak for the franchise since the 1993-94 season. It also snapped a 41-game streak of scoring over 100 points, as they were held to a season-low 87 points. With the win, Oklahoma City completed a season sweep over Dallas. The Thunder will look to continue their momentum on the road against the Chicago Bulls. Meanwhile, the Mavericks, who have now lost 13 of their last 15 games, will embark on a six-game road trip, starting in Charlotte.
