OKC Advances to NBA Cup Semifinals Behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Dominance

Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a commanding performance to secure a spot in the NBA Cup semifinals, led by an extraordinary effort from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA). With a stellar 39-point display, SGA propelled the Thunder to a 118-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, ensuring their place in Las Vegas to face the winner of the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets matchup.

This victory not only marked a significant milestone for Oklahoma City but also showcased the team’s defensive prowess and offensive precision. SGA’s standout performance has sparked MVP conversations, while the team’s collective effort underscored their status as serious contenders for the NBA Cup.

Gilgeous-Alexander Outshines Mavericks’ Stars

SGA’s 39-point outing was complemented by his all-around game, including 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. His ability to dominate on both ends of the court proved too much for the Mavericks’ star duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who were held to a combined 33 points. The defensive efforts of Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace played a critical role in neutralizing Dallas’ key players.

“Lu and Cason did an incredible job,” SGA said after the game. “Holding Luka and Kyrie to such low numbers was more impressive than my 39 points. It gave us a real chance to control the game and come out on top.”

The Mavericks’ 33-point combined total between Doncic and Irving was their lowest as teammates in a regular-season game. Doncic managed just 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting, with six turnovers compared to five assists. Irving contributed 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting but struggled to make a significant impact, scoring only 8 points through the first three quarters.

Thunder’s Defensive Strategy Pays Off

Oklahoma City’s defense was relentless. According to Second Spectrum, 87% of Doncic’s shot attempts were tightly contested—the highest percentage he has faced all season. The Thunder also deployed strategic blitzes against Doncic, targeting him on 13 of 27 screens, the highest rate for any player with at least 20 screens used this year.

“That’s why they’re the number one defensive team in the league,” Doncic acknowledged. “They have great defenders and made it really tough for us to execute.”

Oklahoma City forced 19 Dallas turnovers, converting them into 36 points. The Thunder’s 14 steals, including three by SGA, showcased their ability to disrupt the Mavericks’ rhythm.

SGA’s Offensive Brilliance

SGA dominated offensively, shooting an efficient 15-of-23 from the field, including 5-of-9 from three-point range. His ability to score in a variety of ways, coupled with his improved three-point shooting, added a new dimension to his game. SGA’s leadership was evident, as he controlled the pace and provided consistent scoring throughout the game.

“Shai’s added that step-back three to his arsenal, and it makes him even harder to guard,” Irving said. “He’s a complete player now, and it’s clear he’s been working hard to improve.”

Thunder’s Collective Strength

While SGA’s performance was the highlight, the victory was a team effort. Dort and Wallace’s defense, combined with contributions from other players, emphasized the Thunder’s depth and balance. The team’s ability to maintain composure and execute their game plan allowed them to dominate after taking the lead late in the first quarter.

The Thunder’s dominance was further evidenced by their ability to convert Dallas’ mistakes into points. Their transition game was sharp, and their defensive strategy forced the Mavericks to rely on secondary players, a tactic that proved successful in neutralizing Dallas’ primary threats.

Looking Ahead to the Semifinals

Oklahoma City entered this season with high expectations after a strong offseason that included the acquisitions of Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso. Their performance against Dallas reinforces their position as favorites to win the NBA Cup. With a 19-5 record, the Thunder sit atop the Western Conference and appear poised to continue their impressive run.

“They were the Western Conference champions last year,” SGA said, reflecting on Dallas. “We respect them, but this was a chance to show how much we’ve grown. We’re ready to compete with the best.”

The semifinals in Las Vegas will present another opportunity for Oklahoma City to prove their mettle. With SGA leading the charge and a cohesive team effort, the Thunder are set to make a serious push for the NBA Cup championship. Their journey to the top continues, and the basketball world will be watching closely.