Mavericks Overcome Injuries for 'Gutsy' Road Victory Over Thunder, Clinch Season Series

Mavericks secure a gutsy 121-115 win over the Thunder, overcoming injuries and showcasing resilience at Paycom Center.

Photo: Dallas Mavericks

OKLAHOMA CITY — In a matchup featuring shorthanded contender playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Dallas Mavericks (24-21) battled out a 121-115 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder (36-8), ending a two-game losing streak. The victory marked the second victory for the Mavericks at Paycom Center this season, while the rest of the league has gone 1-19. Dallas now accounts for three of Oklahoma City’s eight losses.

“To go against this team four times and come out 3-1, that’s where I feel like we laid our hat on,” Kyrie Irving said. “So we know we can play with the best. Now we got to build on that consistency. The last few games, we have not been as consistent as we’d like. (It was a) gutsy win.”

Dallas played without Luka Dončić (left calf strain), Dereck Lively II (right ankle stress fracture), Danté Exum (right wrist surgery), Klay Thompson (right ankle sprain), Naji Marshall (illness), Dwight Powell (right hip strain), and Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain). Regardless, the Mavericks dug deep and pulled out a challenging victory.

Despite managing a bulging disc injury, Irving not only suited up for his second game in 48 hours but also delivered 24 points and four assists. He was a consistent presence, commanding significant defensive attention. Irving is filling the top offensive role amid Dončić’s absence, averaging 25.3 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in those 15 games without his dynamic backcourt partner this season.

“When I woke up this morning, I felt good. Got a great lift in when we got in late last night, so it set me up to prepare better for today,” Irving said. “I got in the gym almost four hours prior just to get my reps up and getting my massage and taking care of my body. I'm 32 going on 33 this year. So I've put myself in a great position to prepare for every game at the highest level and just live with the results.”

Irving’s efforts were supported by P.J. Washington’s 22 points and career-high 19 rebounds, who also added three steals and two blocks. It was the second time this season that Washington set a new career-high in rebounding at Spectrum Center, pulling down 17 boards in the team’s shorthanded victory in November. Washington was integral in Dallas winning the rebounding battle, 43-33.

“Just try to be aggressive on the glass,” Washington said. “I knew I could go out there and get as many rebounds. I thought I had 20, but I guess the league said it was a team rebound. So it's all good. Obviously, when we get rebounds, it's hard for teams to beat us. And, uh, we don't allow second chance points. So it's always good.”