Marc Daigneault’s candid look at the Thunder’s loss to the Mavericks

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks handed over Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault and his team only their second loss in 21 games, overcoming a 20-point deficit in a tight, hard-fought contest that came down to a goal. The The Thunder competed without All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderwho was scratched late due to soreness in his right wrist before tip-off. However, Oklahoma City stormed back 41-17 in the second quarter, rebounded 33-14 in the second half before succumbing to a 106-98 loss.

After the game, Daigneault praised his team to erase its 20-point deficit and compete at a high level.

“Obviously (they) did a really good job after halftime,” Daigneault said. “After a tough second quarter or the end of the second quarter, I thought we played a pretty good game outside of that six-minute period where they really broke the game open.” But we came out of halftime, made it a game and got within striking distance very quickly. And being able to get into a one-point game in the fourth, which is all you can ask for, considering we were at halftime.

Jalen Williams’ layup jumper made it 83 with 8:29 left, the closest the Thunder came to pulling away in the final frame. After Lou Dort connected on a 3-pointer to pull Oklahoma City within one (92-91) with less than five minutes remaining, Dallas closed out the game by outscoring its opponent 14-7.

“I thought they outplayed us down the stretch on both ends,” Daigneault added. “But we put ourselves in a position to try and win the game, which is all you can ask for when you’re down 20 at one point.” So definitely, things we can learn from. But I didn’t think it was a matter of inexperience. I thought it was a matter of execution.”

Jaylen Williams’ 19 points led five Thunder players in double figures, including Lou Dort (18 points), Jaylin Williams and Aaron Wiggins, who each finished with ten points, and Kason Wallace (10 points). Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 25 points, PJ Washington and Spencer Dinwiddie each finished with 16 points, and Najib Marshall had a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds).

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been ruled out for the Thunder-Mavericks game

After the Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led a 30-2 run in a 136-116 win against the Cavs, he suffered wrist pain before facing the Mavericks. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault announced Gilgeous-Alexander was questioned before the team officially ruled him out before tipoff.

“His right wrist hurts,” Daigneault said. “He was fine this morning.” Then he came into the arena and he was a little sore.”

The Thunder will return home for Sunday’s matchup against the Nets.