Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was everything the Dallas Mavericks had no answer for on Sunday night.
The reigning NBA MVP scored 30 points, grabbed four steals, and dished five assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder handed the Mavericks a 100-87 defeat at American Airlines Center. The loss dropped Dallas to 21-39 on the season and extended the Mavericks’ losing streak to three games. It was also Dallas’s eighth consecutive home loss and 13th defeat in the last 15 games — the franchise’s longest home losing skid since dropping 12 straight in 1993-94.
The defeat came against a Thunder team that improved to 47-15, a half-game behind Detroit for the NBA’s best record and three games clear of second-place San Antonio in the Western Conference.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Continues Historic Run
Playing just his second game back after missing nine with an abdominal strain, Gilgeous-Alexander showed no signs of rust. He extended his streak of scoring at least 20 points in consecutive road games to 59 — the longest such streak in NBA history — while also tying his season-high with four steals.
Oklahoma City holds a 25-3 record this season when Gilgeous-Alexander scores at least 30 points and dishes at least five assists.
Head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged there was little the Mavericks could do to slow him down.
“I thought Caleb was aggressive,” Kidd said of the assignment given to Caleb Martin. “Being able to guard Shai is not easy — Shai can score.”
Max Christie didn’t sugarcoat it either.
“Very difficult,” Christie said. “MVP of the league for a reason. He’s a very difficult player to play against and to guard. Obviously, his ability to draw fouls and his shot-making ability are the best in the league. That’s why he’s the MVP. You just gotta give credit to him. That’s what he does.”
Chet Holmgren added 19 points and nine rebounds, while Isaiah Joe came off the bench to pour in 14 points, and Jared McCain contributed 11. OKC’s double-big lineup of Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein presented problems Dallas never solved.
“That’s the way they play,” Kidd said. “That’s why they’re the No. 1 defensive team in the league. They’ve been together and understand how they want to play. When you have two bigs like that, it takes certain things away. We just didn’t connect the dots. We didn’t get enough corner threes tonight.”
Dallas Mavericks Season-Low Points, 41-Game Streak Ends
The Mavericks were held to 87 points, a season low. The previous low was the 92 they scored on opening night against San Antonio on Oct. 22. The defeat also ended Dallas’s streak of scoring at least 100 points at 41 consecutive games — the longest active streak in the NBA at the time.
Kidd was measured when asked how much of the offensive struggles belonged to injuries versus Oklahoma City’s defense.
“I thought we had some good looks,” Kidd said. “Turnovers hurt us. You understand you’re playing the best defense in the league — they’re pros, and there are going to be some swipes. I’d say it was 50-50 — some things they did, and us not being able to make open shots. It happens. But the group we had out there played hard.”
The Mavericks turned the ball over 17 times. Oklahoma City converted those into 14 points. Dallas’s 16 turnovers in the first three quarters kept OKC in front when the game felt within reach.
Caleb Martin Steps Up in a Big Spot for Dallas Mavericks
With Naji Marshall (right finger contusion), P.J. Washington (left ankle sprain), and Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain) all sidelined, the Mavericks needed someone to carry the offensive load. Caleb Martin answered.
The forward posted a season-high 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three, to lead Dallas in scoring for the first time in 65 games with the franchise. It was also his highest-scoring output since dropping 23 on Christmas Day 2024 in Boston, and the 23rd time in his career he has reached 18 or more points.
Martin, who has been shooting above 50% from three since mid-January, spoke to what has been clicking.
“Just comfortability,” Martin said. “Finding my place in this group, feeling better. Obviously gaining confidence through playing minutes and getting those reps in games. And my teammates looking for me, sharing the ball, putting me in positions to get good shots.”
Kidd didn’t hesitate when asked about Martin’s performance.
“I thought he was good on both ends, defensively and offensively,” Kidd said. “He made some nice plays attacking off the dribble and looked real confident.”
Martin wasn’t making excuses for the loss.
“It really is tough,” Martin said of playing shorthanded. “Obviously they’re a well-established team. But I feel like we pride ourselves on not trying to make excuses. Who you have in the locker room and who’s suiting up is who you have. I always think we have a chance, me personally, no matter who we’re playing or who we’re playing with.”
Max Christie Notches Another Multi-Three Game
Max Christie finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, and two steals on 4-of-8 shooting from three — his 10th game this season with four or more made threes. That total is already double his career output prior to this year, when he had five such games in his entire career. Christie has now made 133 three-pointers this season, the most in any single season of his career.
Kidd noted that Christie’s overall contributions have gone beyond the three-point line.
“For Max, he’s just taking what the game gives him,” Kidd said. “If it’s an open three, he’ll knock it down. If not, he’ll drive and make a play for a teammate. I thought he helped us big-time on the defensive glass, especially being shorthanded.”
Christie acknowledged that defenses have begun to account more for his corner shooting.
“I’ve shot it well for the majority of the season, and teams are going to adjust,” Christie said. “So I’ve got to find ways to shoot in tighter spaces, quicker releases, and whatnot. Tonight was good — four for eight. Eight attempts are great, and making four is pretty good too. That’s a good sign. It’s about continuing to stay confident in the work I put in.”
Dallas Mavericks Win the Glass, Lose the Game
One of the few genuine positives on Sunday was Dallas’s performance on the boards. The Mavericks outrebounded Oklahoma City 49-46, their 18th game this season with at least 49 total rebounds — tied for the eighth-most such games in the NBA, alongside the Thunder and Memphis.
Much of that effort came from Moussa Cissé, who grabbed 12 rebounds off the bench without scoring a point or recording an assist. The effort made him just the sixth player in the last 15 years to notch at least 12 rebounds with no points or assists, joining Moussa Diabaté, Maxi Kleber, Jalen Smith, Bismack Biyombo, and Kendrick Perkins.
Kidd praised the collective rebounding effort.
“That was a positive,” Kidd said. “With our two bigs, DP and O-Max, I thought DP gave us a lot of good energy and played hard. O-Max moved the ball well offensively. Against a group like that, everybody crashes — even the smallest guys. I thought we did a really good job securing rebounds and getting into transition.”
Christie echoed that sentiment.
“We played with a lot of effort and intensity tonight,” Christie said. “I think we can be proud of that. Obviously, they’re the champs for a reason, and we’re a little undermanned with injuries. But our fight tonight was really, really good. We hustled on the glass, and I thought our defense for the most part was as good as it could be.”
Ryan Nembhard Returns, Klay Thompson Goes Down With Injury
Ryan Nembhard made his return Sunday in his first game since converting from a two-way contract to a multi-year standard deal. He finished with 7 points and 5 assists in 12 minutes, pushing his season total to 191 assists — surpassing Elston Turner for the ninth-most assists by a Mavericks rookie in a single season. He continues to lead all rookies at 4.9 assists per game.
Kidd kept expectations measured after a month away from the group.
“It was his first game with the group,” Kidd said. “I think it’ll be better next time. He’ll get more comfortable.”
Christie was happy to see him back.
“Super cool to see him out there,” Christie said. “He deserves it. He played well for us earlier this year. Tonight was his first game back, so I don’t think we should put too much weight on it. He’s going to continue to get adjusted and put the work in. Super happy he got that deal.”
Thompson left in the second half with a right adductor contusion and did not return. Kidd confirmed the injury postgame.
“He’s hurt,” Kidd said. “He got hurt in the game and wasn’t able to come back.”
The Mavericks also got 14 points from Brandon Williams, and AJ Johnson chipped in 2 points in six minutes in his fourth consecutive day with a game.
What’s Next for the Dallas Mavericks
Dallas now begins a six-game road trip, opening Tuesday night in Charlotte — where Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, would have faced fellow rookie Kon Knueppel. Kidd has already indicated Flagg is unlikely to play.
Martin summed up the approach heading into the stretch.
“One game at a time,” he said. “You don’t want to look too far ahead. It’s going to be a long road trip, and they’re going to be tough games, but you just take it one at a time and hopefully look up at the end of the trip, and you’re in a good spot.”
The Mavericks play next on Tuesday, March 3, against the Charlotte Hornets. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
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