Post by : Maya Rahman

The Oklahoma City Thunder remained unbeaten this season with a 101-94 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. Despite nearly losing a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Thunder held their nerve in the closing moments to secure their third straight victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with a strong all-around performance, helping the Thunder stay composed against a determined Dallas comeback.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again proved why he is one of the NBA’s most reliable stars. He scored 23 points, with 13 of them coming in a dominant third quarter where the Thunder took full control of the game. Gilgeous-Alexander also contributed eight assists, including a key pass for Isaiah Hartenstein’s late basket. Though he didn’t get to the free-throw line until the final seconds, he calmly made both attempts to seal the win for Oklahoma City. His leadership and composure were essential in maintaining the Thunder’s perfect record.

When the Mavericks closed the gap to one point with less than a minute remaining, Isaiah Hartenstein stepped up. Driving strong to the basket, he scored a crucial layup that stretched Oklahoma City’s lead back to three. Moments later, Gilgeous-Alexander added two free throws to make it a five-point game. Hartenstein’s timing and energy made a major difference, especially during a difficult fourth quarter when the Thunder’s offense went cold.

The Mavericks appeared to be out of the contest early in the fourth quarter when they trailed 91-69. However, they refused to give up, going on a 15-0 scoring run as Oklahoma City struggled to find points for more than five minutes. D’Angelo Russell’s floater cut the lead to just one with 55 seconds left, giving Dallas a real chance to complete the comeback. But in the final moments, missed opportunities and defensive lapses allowed Oklahoma City to regain control.

Beyond Gilgeous-Alexander, several Thunder players made valuable contributions. Chet Holmgren posted a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, showing his growing confidence inside the paint. Ajay Mitchell impressed off the bench with 17 points, while Aaron Wiggins added 11. Oklahoma City shot 46.7% overall, though their accuracy dipped to 5-of-21 in the fourth quarter. Still, their teamwork and defensive resilience proved enough to secure the win.

Anthony Davis led Dallas with 26 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 10 of 16 from the field. He was aggressive around the rim and helped spark the team’s late comeback. P.J. Washington added 15 points, and Max Christie, making his first start of the season, scored 14. However, the Mavericks’ shooting woes continued as they hit only 37.5% of their field goals for the game. Rookie Cooper Flagg, who scored 22 points the night before, struggled badly, finishing with just two points on 1-for-9 shooting.

Dallas’s fatigue showed as the game entered the final minutes, given it was their second matchup in two nights. Their offensive rhythm suffered early, and defensive gaps allowed Oklahoma City to build a big lead. Although their late rally was impressive, the Mavericks couldn’t find the crucial basket when it mattered most. Their inability to convert key possessions prevented them from completing what could have been a remarkable comeback.

For Oklahoma City, the win demonstrated maturity and focus. Despite nearly letting the game slip away, they stayed calm in pressure situations. Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership, Hartenstein’s late basket, and the overall defensive effort allowed them to maintain control. The Thunder now stand undefeated early in the season, proving they are capable of handling close, high-pressure games even on the road.

The Thunder’s next challenge will test their consistency as they aim to extend their unbeaten streak. With Gilgeous-Alexander continuing to shine and young talents like Holmgren and Mitchell stepping up, Oklahoma City appears ready to establish itself as one of the most exciting teams in the league. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will look to regroup after three straight losses and hope for a bounce-back performance in their next outing.

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