Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his scoring prowess, netting 34 points to propel the Oklahoma City Thunder to a crucial 100-96 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, evening the Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2.
Despite facing a formidable Mavericks defense that set a franchise playoff record with 13 blocks, Gilgeous-Alexander remained composed, delivering a stellar performance when it mattered most.
In a tightly contested game, Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort stepped up with crucial 3-pointers late in the game, while Jalen Williams’ driving dunk with 1:29 remaining swung the momentum in Oklahoma City’s favor.
The pivotal moment came when Dallas contested a potential double-dribble call against Williams, but crew chief Zack Zarba confirmed through video review that the call was correctly upheld.
The series now stands at a deadlock with each team securing a pair of wins on their respective home courts. Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday night in Oklahoma City.
Gilgeous-Alexander credited his team’s perseverance, stating, “We just plugged away, took it possession by possession. And eventually the game turned for us.”
Despite trailing by 14 early in the second half, the Thunder mounted a comeback fueled by their defensive intensity, limiting the Mavericks’ offensive output.
Oklahoma City seized the lead for the first time in the second half on Holmgren’s clutch 3-pointer, securing a narrow 100-96 victory.
P.J. Washington Jr. led the scoring for Dallas with 21 points, while Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, Doncic struggled with his shooting efficiency, going 6 of 20 from the field and 2 of 9 from beyond the arc.
“We’ve just got to work on our free throws,” Doncic said. “We shot 52%. That’s unacceptable.”
The Thunder’s defensive tenacity held the Mavericks to just 42% shooting in the fourth quarter, while their offense finally found its rhythm after shooting 34% through the first three quarters.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s resilience, emphasizing their ability to withstand early setbacks and execute when it mattered most.
In the game’s closing moments, with the Thunder ahead by three, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fouled P.J. Washington Jr. to prevent the Mavericks from attempting a tying 3-pointer. Washington missed the first free throw, but unintentionally made the second. Gilgeous-Alexander then secured the win with two free throws of his own.
Reflecting on the game, Gilgeous-Alexander said, “This is probably the most meaningful game I’ve played in my career.”
With the series tied and momentum swinging, both teams are gearing up for a pivotal Game 5 showdown in Oklahoma City.
