In the wake of a still-effective Ryan Nembhard, then a Brandon Williams who ventures successfully into the heart of the Thunder defense, Dallas starts strong. His defense even forces five lost balls, but despite everything, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Oklahoma City do not let themselves be left behind (27-27).
A winning shot from Klay Thompson gives the Mavs confidence, but the Thunder take matters into their own hands. Jalen Williams (15 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists) and Ajay Mitchell launch a 16-5, concluded by a 3-pointer from Ousmane Dieng (43-35). Clumsy so far, Cooper Flagg (16 points) allows Dallas to react by reassuring themselves at mid-distance and on free throws, but SGA becomes untouchable. Ultra aggressive, he scores nine points in less than three minutes and the Thunder ends the half with a 20-5 (63-48)!
The steamroller is running at full speed and the Mavs have no answer. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren (15 points, 8 rebounds) had fun with Dallas, and the Thunder started the third quarter with a 23-7 lead to take more than 30 points in advance (86-55). Jason Kidd then tries everything and gives the green light to Jaden Hardy (23 points). The scorer scores in abundance, and the Mavs return to -20 (86-66).
OKC’s response is scathing. SGA continues its festival, Ajay Mitchell imitates him and the gap climbs again (104-74). As often this season, the Thunder folded the match in three quarters and quietly moved towards a 14th victory in a row.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had complete control of the match. The MVP set the tone for the Thunder… but not necessarily for good things. He lost two balls, lacked intensity and Dallas was able to stay in contact in the first quarter. SGA then changed its approach. He attacked the Mavs defense to start the machine and never let up his effort. It is with this combination of aggressiveness and efficiency (33 points, 10/12 shooting) that he left his mark on his team’s performance in the second and third quarters.
– The ordeal of Anthony Davis. To cope with the size of Dallas, Mark Daigneault decided to start with two interiors, Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams, and to switch to all screens. Faced with this defense, Anthony Davis was transparent. Passive, he suffered the law of Thunder. He remained silent until the start of money time for only 2 points at 1/9 on shots and 0/2 on free throws. This is the first time in his career that he has not scored a single point before starting the last quarter.
– Playing time for Ousmane Dieng. With the absences of Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, and also Isaiah Joe, the Frenchman made an appearance in the second quarter. He was part of the group that made the first split for OKC. He also returned early in the second half before participating in garbage time. Ousmane Dieng finished with 7 points, 1 assist and 1 rebound, in a solid performance in 22 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob5ZUePQ92U
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
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