Mavericks Stun Thunder in Down-to-Wire Battle: Washington’s Career Night Leads the Way
In a nail-biting finish at the Paycom Center, the Dallas Mavericks pulled off an impressive 121-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night, despite missing their superstar Luka Doncic.
P.J. Washington emerged as the unexpected hero, delivering a remarkable performance with 27 points and a career-high 17 rebounds. The forward, who typically averages just eight points per game, stepped up magnificently in Doncic’s absence due to a bruised right knee.
“We knew someone had to fill the gap tonight,” Washington said after his stellar performance. He immediately made an impact, starting the game with 11 points and four rebounds in just the first four minutes of play.
Kyrie Irving added 23 points to the Mavericks’ cause, helping the team shoot an efficient 48% from the field. The Mavericks’ offense showed no signs of slowing down without their usual centerpiece, Doncic.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up another outstanding performance with 36 points on 13-of-19 shooting. Jalen Williams contributed 27 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Thunder’s record from dropping to 11-3.
The game’s turning point came in the final minutes when the Thunder, trailing 112-98 with just over six minutes left, mounted a furious comeback. Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch three-pointer with 25 seconds remaining brought Oklahoma City within striking distance at 121-118.
The drama intensified when Gilgeous-Alexander forced a jump ball against Irving with eight seconds left, which he won. In the closing seconds, after making his first free throw, Gilgeous-Alexander intentionally missed his second attempt, but Lu Dort’s last-second three-point attempt missed the mark.
A key factor in the Mavericks’ victory was their dominance on the boards, outrebounding the Thunder 53-29. The size advantage proved crucial, especially with Thunder’s Chet Holmgren unavailable.
“The rebounding battle was the difference-maker tonight,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault noted. “When you give up that many extra possessions, it’s tough to overcome.”
The Mavericks’ bench also played a crucial role, with Naji Marshall and Jaden Hardy providing valuable minutes. Hardy finished with 13 points on efficient 6-for-9 shooting, while Marshall’s defensive intensity proved instrumental in maintaining the lead.
For the Thunder, rookie Dillon Jones showed promise with 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting, marking the best performance of his young career. However, the team’s struggles on the glass ultimately proved too much to overcome.
Looking ahead, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd expressed optimism about Doncic’s return for Tuesday’s home game against New Orleans. Meanwhile, the Thunder will look to bounce back as they travel to face the San Antonio Spurs.
The victory improves Dallas’s winning streak to two games, while Oklahoma City concludes their six-game homestand with a respectable 4-2 record. This game serves as a reminder that in the NBA, depth and adaptability often prove as valuable as star power.