Standout performances
League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 33 points, while Jaylen Williams and Chet Holmgren contributed 15 points each. The Thunder’s remarkable start is their best since the Golden State Warriors’ historic 24–0 opening in the 2016 season.
Game breakdown
Oklahoma City built a 30-point lead by the end of the third quarter, allowing them to rest their starters and ending the Mavericks’ three-game winning streak.
Mavericks’ efforts and injury concern
Jaeden Hardy topped Dallas’ scoring with 23 points off the bench. Anthony Davis managed only two points in limited fourth-quarter minutes and briefly left the game in the third quarter after a suspected left knee injury, though he later returned to the bench.