Thunder Top Mavericks 100-87
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks 100-87, extending their strong recent form. Luka Doncic struggled against the Thunder defense as OKC stayed in the Western Conference mix. The Knicks also snapped the Spurs' winning streak in a tightly contested matchup at MSG.
With the victory, the Thunder completed a three-game season sweep of the Mavericks and have now won seven of their last nine games. The win keeps them at the top of the Western Conference standings with a 47-15 record, three games ahead of the second-place San Antonio Spurs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his MVP-caliber season, and his 30-point effort marked his 59th consecutive road game with at least 20 points, breaking a 63-year-old NBA record held by Wilt Chamberlain. It was also his 123rd straight game scoring 20 or more points, moving him closer to another of Chamberlain's records (126). This was his second game back after a nine-game absence due to an abdominal strain. The Dallas Mavericks' struggles continued as they have now lost three consecutive games and 13 of their last 15. The loss marked their eighth straight defeat at home, the longest such streak since the 1993-94 season. Dallas was held to a season-low in points, and their streak of 41 consecutive games scoring over 100 points was snapped. The Mavericks were shorthanded, playing without three regular starters, including star rookie Cooper Flagg, who missed his seventh straight game with a sprained left foot. Caleb Martin led Dallas in scoring for the first time in his 65 games with the team, finishing with a season-high 18 points. In the other notable Eastern Conference matchup, the New York Knicks halted the San Antonio Spurs' 11-game winning streak with a decisive 114-89 victory. The Spurs, who went undefeated in February, lost for the first time since January 31st. The Knicks overcame an early 19-7 deficit with a massive 26-2 run in the first half to take control of the game. Mikal Bridges led the Knicks with 25 points, while Jalen Brunson added 24. Victor Wembanyama put up 25 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks in the losing effort for the Spurs.
