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Mavericks vs. Thunder recap: 4 thoughts from an intense 106-98 Mavericks win to the Oklahoma City Thunder

Published

10 months ago

January 18, 2025

Mavericks vs. Thunder recap: 4 thoughts from an intense 106-98 Mavericks win to the Oklahoma City Thunder

The short handed Dallas Mavericks (23-19) bested the short handed Oklahoma City Thunder (34-7) 106-98 in an intense matchup Friday night in Dallas. Kyrie Irving led all Mavericks with 25 points, five assists, and five rebounds, while Jalen Williams put up 19 points for the Thunder in a losing effort. Dallas got a much needed win, ending a three-game losing streak, while Oklahoma City suffered just their second loss in their last 21 games.

Dallas continued to be without starters Luka Doncic and Dereck Lively, but the big injury news was in Oklahoma. MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a late scratch with a sore wrist, missing his first game of the season and joining Isiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren in street clothes. The stars may have been missing, but it was still an intense matchup between two Western Conference contenders.

This was a game of runs, starting with Dallas taking a 10-0 lead off hot shooting from Kyrie Irving and PJ Washington. That was followed by the Thunder going on a 26-12 run to take a 26-22 lead into the second quarter. The Mavs countered with a huge 19-0 run at the end of the first half to go up by 20 points. If the second quarter was one of the best of the Mavericks season, the third quarter was one of the worst. Oklahoma City outscored Dallas 33-14 in the third, setting up a consequential fourth quarter.

It was a neck and neck fourth quarter until Spencer Dinwiddie hit two clutch threes, extending the lead to 101-93. Notable Thunder killer PJ Washington had a huge dunk to put the exclamation point on a great Mavericks win.

Here are our main thoughts from the game:

Role players stepped up

With Doncic’s return still being weeks away, Dallas has a huge offensive role to fill. When they play tough teams like the Thunder, the Mavericks need Kyrie Irving to play like an All-Star and get production from multiple role players. Tonight, they got both. Irving had 25 points and was joined in double figures by Washington, Dinwiddie, and Naji Marshall. Even more impressively, they combined to shoot 12/26 from three for an efficient 46%. They need each and every one of those points in a game that was a slugfest.

It’s impossible to replace what Doncic brings to this team, but the Mavericks need to find a way to win games without him in a competitive Western Conference. If they can get points from three or four role players, Dallas can beat anyone as evidenced by tonight.

Rebounding woes continue

Despite the Mavericks holding the Thunder to just 38% shooting from the field, this game came to the wire. That’s mainly down to Dallas giving up 20 second chance points off offensive rebounds. With Oklahoma City only scoring 98 points, second chance points accounts for a staggering 20% of their total offense. Without Hartenstein and Holmgren, Oklahoma City isn’t even a good rebounding team, yet that’s how they were able to stay in the game on a cold shooting night.

This is a familiar problem for Dallas, who are the fourth worst team in the league in giving up offensive rebounds. The Mavericks are simply not a good rebounding team, and they’re significantly worse without Luka. This is one of the biggest weaknesses with this team and needs to be a point of emphasis for the rest of the season.

Two more Mavericks injuries

It wouldn’t be a Dallas Mavericks game this season if there wasn’t a worrisome injury to a key rotation piece, but tonight we had two. Jaden Hardy went down with a right ankle sprain after a collision with Isiah Joe in the second quarter and did not return to the game. Then in the third quarter, Dwight Powell slipped closing out on Jaylin Williams and couldn’t get up off the floor. Powell was escorted to the locker room and also did not return to the game.

These injuries could not come at a worse time for Dallas. Hardy was having one of the best stretches of his career, scoring over 20 points against the Lakers and Pelicans in recent games. Powell was becoming a bigger part of the rotation with Lively out. The Mavs will have to get creative with their center rotation – look for Maxi Kleber and even Washington to play more minutes at center.

It’s unclear as of this writing whether Hardy or Powell will miss time, but they would join Doncic, Lively, Kessler Edwards, Dante Exum, and Jazian Gortman on an already lengthy injury report. The basketball gods are certainly testing the theory that this is the deepest Mavericks team of the Luka era. Exum seems to be close to returning, but Dallas has a real shortage of playable bodies in the short term.

These teams do not like each other

Even without the star players, this game was intense, highly competitive, and often chippy. PJ Washington was somewhat predictably at the center of the charged moments. Washington and Lu Dort wrestled over possession until Dort fell to the ground. Washington stood over Dort for a moment, which led to Aaron Wiggins shoving Washington. It was a whole lot of nothing, but led to double techs. Later in the game, Washington fouled Jaylen Williams in a hard, mid-air foul, which was ruled a flagrant one. If Oklahoma City fans hated Washington during last season’s playoff series, they’ll really hate him after tonight.

In general, it was a hard fought defensive battle. Players were diving for loose balls, playing aggressive defense, and living and dying on every shot. The Dallas crowd was loud and engaged – it felt like a playoff atmosphere.

If tonight is any indication, a full strength Mavericks and Thunder matchup in the playoffs would be one of the more exciting possible series. Let’s hope we get to see it come May.

You can listen to our latest podcast episode in the player embedded below, and to make sure you don’t miss a single one moving forward, subscribe to the Pod Maverick podcast feed on Apple, Spotify, Pandora, Pocketcasts, YouTube, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, Castbox.

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Oklahoma

3 Takeaways From The Thunder’s Tenth Win In A Row

Published

8 hours ago

November 27, 2025

Press Room

3 Takeaways From The Thunder’s Tenth Win In A Row

It was a battle through and through in the third game of the NBA Cup group stage. The Thunder would have as large a lead as 12, but the Timberwolves found a way to stick in the game all the way to the final buzzer. In the end, the Thunder would hold on and prevail 113-105 in the closest game of their 10-game win streak.

With a minute remaining, Anthony Edwards would hit a three-pointer to bring the game within one, putting the pressure on OKC. Chet Holmgren would respond for the Thunder by hitting a three of his own with 37 seconds remaining.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would then hit one of two free throws to put the Thunder up 109-104, and after a five-second inbound violation, the game was as good as OKC’s.

Gilgeous-Alexander was his usual MVP self as he had 40 points, leading the game in scoring. This game came down to the wire, but the Thunder got it done like they’ve continued to do.

Here are three takeaways from the Thunder’s tenth win in a row.

Nov 26, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) shoots a three point basket over Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

1. OKC continues to smother opponents

You would think the Thunder only scoring 49 points in the first half would have them behind in today’s NBA, but the Thunder were, in fact, leading by 10. The Timberwolves only shot 32% from the field in the first half and would end the game only shooting 41%.

Oklahoma City has continued to be the hardest team to score on in the league, and the league can only hope they slow down soon. This has been a trend for the Thunder, as they remain at the top of almost every defensive stat this season. OKC has continued to produce on the defensive end, leaving their opponents unable to on offense.

Nov 26, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) moves around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kenrich Williams (34) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

2. The Thunder must finish their defensive possessions

Like previously said, the Thunder’s defense is immaculate, but they must make sure to only play defense once per possession. The Thunder got beat on the offensive boards tonight as Minnesota had 12 offensive rebounds compared to the Thunder’s seven.

These allowed offensive rebounds sometimes negated the Thunder’s defensive efforts and allowed the Timberwolves to get chances they shouldn’t have had in the first place. This mistake didn’t cost the Thunder ultimately, but it must be something the Thunder improves on.

Nov 26, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) dunks against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

3. The NBA Cup is the Thunder’s to lose

Oklahoma City is now 3-0 in the group stage of the NBA Cup, with only one remaining against Phoenix on Friday. A win then will guarantee the Thunder a spot in bracket play as the winner of West Group A. The Thunder are looking to be right in the position they were in last year, when they made the NBA Cup finals.

They lost that game to the Milwaukee Bucks 97-81 and have to have a chip on their shoulder now that this goal seems attainable once again. They would be the first team to reach the cup finals in back-to-back years and are hoping to be the third ever team to win it.

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Grading college football’s coaching carousel: A- for Virginia Tech, B+ for Oklahoma State

Published

1 day ago

November 26, 2025

Press Room

Grading college football’s coaching carousel: A- for Virginia Tech, B+ for Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State was one of the earliest entrants to this year’s coaching carousel after firing Mike Gundy in September. Brett Deering / Getty Images

In college football, you never really know whether a coaching hire is going to work — just take a peek at all those A’s for Brian Kelly and Billy Napier four years ago. But you also don’t need to wait around to evaluate whether a school hired the right fit.

As the 2025-26 coaching carousel heats up, we’re handing out initial grades to the hires as head coach openings are filled around the country, focusing on how much the hire makes sense and whether it satisfies what a team identified it needed going into a coaching search.

Check back as more jobs get filled.

Oklahoma State hires Eric Morris: B+

(Hired Nov. 25)

Morris checks a lot of boxes for Oklahoma State. He has deep ties to Texas, having spent almost his entire playing and coaching career there. And he knows how to develop quarterbacks, as names like Patrick Mahomes, Cam Ward, John Mateer and now Drew Mestemaker have thrived under his watch. He has also shown an ability to do more with less at North Texas and FCS Incarnate Word.

But while Morris’ offenses have long been good, his defenses have been up and down, and he’s won six games or fewer in four of six non-pandemic seasons as a head coach as a result. The hire of Skyler Cassity as Mean Green defensive coordinator in 2025 was one of Morris’ best moves. We don’t know yet whether Cassity will follow him to Stillwater, but that side of the ball will have to keep up with the offense.

Virginia Tech hires James Franklin: A-

(Hired Nov. 17)

Franklin was the No. 1 target from the moment he was fired at Penn State, and for good reason. He’d never missed a bowl game in 15 years at Vanderbilt or Penn State, outside of the pandemic-altered 2020 season. He turned Penn State into a top-10 program again. He dominated recruiting in the state of Virginia while at Penn State. He has a long track record of fostering alignment and investment. All the characteristics Virginia Tech needed, Franklin has them. He has only won one conference championship, and his game management has come under fair criticism, but he checks off all the other boxes of what Virginia Tech needed.

Kent State promotes Mark Carney: B

(Named interim coach in April, hired to full-time job Oct. 30)

What Carney has accomplished this season cannot be understated. He became the interim head coach on the eve of spring practice in April, when coach Kenni Burns was fired amid an investigation into his financial dealings. Then his defensive coordinator left in the summer for an assistant job at North Dakota State. The Golden Flashes were 1-23 in the previous two years and appeared headed for a doomed 2025 season. Yet this year’s team is 4-7 and remained in bowl contention until a loss to Central Michigan in the season’s penultimate week. Kent State is arguably the toughest job in the Football Bowl Subdivision, so keeping a coach who turned the Golden Flashes back into a respectable MAC outfit was an easy decision.

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Matt Campbell takeaways ahead of Iowa State football vs Oklahoma State

Published

2 days ago

November 25, 2025

Press Room

Matt Campbell takeaways ahead of Iowa State football vs Oklahoma State

AMES — It’s the final week of the 2025 regular season, and Iowa State football is gearing up for a road matchup against Oklahoma State.

The Cyclones (7-4, 4-4 Big 12) will take on the Cowboys (1-10, 0-8 Big 12), as Matt Campbell’s squad looks to finish out the regular season on a high note. Each of the last nine matchups between these two teams – dating back to 2015 – was decided by seven points or fewer, but this game might not follow that trend.

Despite some of Iowa State’s struggles this year, the Cyclones are a heavy favorite, considering that Oklahoma State sits in sole possession of last place in the Big 12.

Here are three takeaways from Campbell’s media availability ahead of the Cyclones’ matchup against Oklahoma State.

Iowa State won’t underestimate Oklahoma State

The Cowboys have yet to beat a conference opponent this season, and they’ve won just one game all year. But Campbell isn’t underestimating Oklahoma State.

He understands the Cowboys will be fighting to prove something in their last game of the year – and on senior day, no less. That’s why Campbell expects a test for his Cyclones, despite the Cowboys’ record.

“When you watch this Oklahoma State team – and all you’ve gotta do is watch the last two games – how these kids are playing, it’s a tribute to their leadership in their locker room. It’s a tribute to the attitude and effort, and we know what Oklahoma State football is all about.”

Caleb Bacon will return next season

The Cyclones’ star linebacker may be listed as a redshirt senior on the roster, but he didn’t take part in Iowa State’s senior day ceremony – held before the game against Kansas. And there’s no question that he’ll be back in Jack Trice Stadium next year.

“That was a quick determination,” Campbell said about Bacon taking a medical redshirt last season. “(He) will be back next year. So, there’s no determination. He’s a junior ready to go play senior football next year.”

Xavier Townsend could miss the last game of the year

The Iowa State wide receiver could miss the final game of the season, with Campbell sharing that Townsend has been battling through a wrist injury.

“I don’t know what his availability will be this week,” Campbell said. “I would probably say leaning more towards doubtful than hopeful. (We’re) trying to figure out what exactly we need to do with that, and is it something that can heal without surgery.

“He’s battled it here the last couple of weeks, and X has done a great job battling through it and trying to give us everything he’s got.”

Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.

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