The defending NBA champions just keep finding ways to win. The Oklahoma City Thunder improved to 4-0 after surviving a fourth-quarter scare from the Dallas Mavericks, earning a 101-94 road victory on Monday night behind Isaiah Hartenstein’s clutch performance and a team-wide commitment to trust and poise.

Oklahoma City led wire-to-wire, building a 22-point lead, but Dallas stormed back to pull within one late. That’s when Hartenstein delivered scoring the Thunder’s only two field goals in the final 8:28, including a game-sealing left-handed layup with 33 seconds remaining.

“We’ve been through a lot as a team,” Hartenstein said postgame. “We trust each other, and that’s what makes Shea so special he trusts us too. A lot of superstars might force it, but Shea finds that balance.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with 23 points, while Chet Holmgren added 18 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. Hartenstein finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds, earning praise from both teammates and reporters for his composure during a scoring drought that nearly cost Oklahoma City its lead.

“If Isaiah doesn’t make those buckets, they may lose tonight,” said Steve McGehee, live from Dallas. “They’re learning how to win those close games.”

The Thunder again showcased resilience, something Hartenstein credits to head coach Mark Daigneault’s preparation and approach.

“Mark does a great job of preparing us for those situations,” Hartenstein said. “He puts us through them in practice so when they happen in games, we’re ready. He doesn’t overcoach he trusts us to figure it out.”

While Oklahoma City executed its game plan for most of the night attacking the paint and out-rebounding Dallas the team acknowledged lapses late in the game that allowed the Mavericks to rally.

Anthony Davis led Dallas with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while rookie Cooper Flagg struggled through his toughest night yet, finishing with two points on 1-of-9 shooting after appearing to injure his left shoulder in the opening minutes.

“He’s a great talent,” Hartenstein said of Flagg. “He’s playing a new role right now, and that takes time. But he’ll be good he’s got the tools.”

The Thunder now return home for the first time since ring night, beginning a three-game homestand Tuesday against Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings at Paycom Center (7 p.m.).

“We’ve got one of the best fan bases in the league,” Hartenstein added. “They’ve always lifted us — and we can’t wait to be back.”