The Oklahoma City Thunder have to be tired of seeing the Dallas Mavericks. One of the true contenders in the league, the sure bet first place Thunder, a team with just eight losses on the season to date, has now lost to the Mavericks for the third time — all losses without Luka Doncic.
That third loss came Thursday night, a thrilling and physical 121-115 contest that saw the Mavericks overwhelm OKC with relentless energy, something they’re used to dishing out. Dallas was not just without Doncic, but a whole lineup of talent, something they’ve had to face as normal reality this year. And contributions came from all directions — both staples and end of bench role players. The Mavericks just seem to get up for this matchup. Here are some numbers to remember from a memorable win during a challenging stretch of the season.
11, 19: PJ Washington shows up in OKC
No Maverick has the Thunder’s number more than PJ Washington. Thursday, the starting forward logged a startling line of 22 points, 19 rebounds (a career high that should probably be 20), three assists, three steals, and two blocks. This, his 11th double-double on the year, is the most he’s posted for a single season.
The heart and soul of the Mavericks since his arrival last deadline, Washington was everywhere and was particularly dominant on the defensive glass, while also taking defensive duties late in the game against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s quickly rising the ranks of all-time Mav favorites. Games like tonight is why.
14: Prosper thrives
With so many out, Olivier-Maxence Prosper has been given more opportunity of late. It’s obvious his talent is still rather raw, but his effort alone makes impact. Thursday’s game saw OMax post 14 points, 13 in the first half. He was particularly impactful in playing through and drawing contact, attempting nine free throws on the night.
The second year forward is figuring out pace with the ball in his hands, making better decisions in transition, and weaponizing his length and athleticism. His impact was less so in the second half, but kept the Mavericks in the game in the first half when the Thunder were so hot from deep. Speaking of…
26: Thunder three point shooting percentage in the second half
The first half was back and forth, both teams effectively scoring in different ways. Warning signs of the path this game was taking foreshadowed at half, with OKC up by just 62-60 while hitting 11-of-22 from three. To be that impactful hitting from three and not having a bigger lead can be a tell.
Sure enough, it gave. The Thunder went on to hit just 4-of-15 from deep in the second half, with not enough offense elsewhere to keep pace. Dallas outscored OKC 31-21 in the third quarter and held serve in the fourth, it what became a contentious second half. The kind of thrilling regular season game the Mavericks can hang their hat on in what has been a challenging last few weeks.
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