Thunder snaps Dallas’ winning streak

On the trail of a Ryan Nembhardt ever so effective, and then with Brendan Williams successfully burrowing into the heart of the Thunder’s defense, Dallas is off to a strong start. Their defense even forced five turnovers, but despite everything, Shai Giljus-Alexander and Oklahoma City did not let it fall behind (27-27).

Klay Thompson’s game-winning shot gives the Mavs confidence, but the Thunder take matters into their own hands. Jalen Williams (15 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists) and Ajay Mitchell started a 16-5 run, which was concluded by a three-pointer by Usman Dieng (43-35). So far out of sorts, Cooper Flagg (16 points) allows Dallas to respond with mid-range and free-throw assurances, but SGA becomes untouchable. Ultra aggressive, he scores nine points in less than three minutes, and Thunder ends the half with 20-5 (63-48)!

The steamroller is running at full speed and the Mavs have no answer. Shai Giljus-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 and took a more than 30-point lead (86-55). Jason Kidd then tries everything and gives the green light to Jayden Hardy (23 points). The shooter in abundance scores a goal, and the Mavs return to -20 (86-66).

OKC’s response is sharp. SGA continues its festival, Ajay Mitchell imitates him and the gap climbs again (104-74). As so often this season, the Thunder folded the game in three quarters and quietly cruised to their 14th straight win.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had complete control over the match. MVP set the tone for the Thunder… but not necessarily for good things. He lost two possessions, lacked intensity and Dallas managed to stay in touch in the first quarter. The SGA then changed its approach. He attacked the Mavs defense to start the machine and never let up in the effort. It was with this combination of aggressiveness and efficiency (33 points, shooting 10/12) that he left his mark on his team’s performance in the second and third quarters.

– The Temptation of Anthony Davis. To deal with the size of Dallas, Mark Daigneault decided to start with two interiors, Chet Holmgren and Jailin Williams, and move to all screens. In the face of this defense, Anthony Davis was transparent. Passive, he suffered the law of thunder. He was held silent until the start of the money period for just 2 points on 1/9 shooting and 0/2 free throws. This is the first time in his career that he has not scored a single point before the start of the final quarter.

– Game time for Usman Dieng. With the absence of Lou Dort, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, as well as Isaiah Joe, the Frenchman performed 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 being involved in the garbage. Ousmane Dieng finished with 7 points, 1 assist and 1 rebound, in a solid performance in 22 minutes.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.