The Oklahoma City Thunder put their impressive 13-game winning streak on the line as they faced off against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, the Thunder looked to extend their dominant season.
🔥 Quick Facts
The Thunder improved to 21-1 with wins in 13 straight games heading into this matchup
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the NBA with a 32.8 points per game average this season
The Mavericks snapped a three-game winning streak with Cooper Flagg averaging 27 points on 59% shooting
This matchup featured the league’s hottest team versus a Dallas squad with emerging young talent in 2025
Thunder’s Historical Start Tested by Surging Mavericks
Oklahoma City entered Friday’s contest riding an impressive 21-1 record, the best start in the NBA since Golden State’s historic 24-0 beginning in 2015-16. The Thunder had extended their winning streak to 13 consecutive victories, with their last four wins coming by an average of eight points — showing the team was facing tougher competition.
Dallas arrived in Oklahoma City momentum on their side, owning a three-game winning streak led by 18-year-old Cooper Flagg, who became the youngest player in NBA history to score 20 or more points in three consecutive games.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Stellar Performance Leads Thunder Offense
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another dominant performance, leading the Thunder’s offensive attack throughout the evening. The star point guard continues his MVP-caliber season, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses with his scoring prowess and playmaking ability.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been instrumental in Oklahoma City’s success this season, averaging 32.8 points per game while commanding respect from every team in the league. His ability to take over games late and create for teammates makes him the cornerstone of the Thunder’s title defense.
Mavericks Fight Back with Fresh Talent
Key Player
Performance Note
Cooper Flagg (Rockets)
27.0 PPG on 59.3% shooting (recent streak)
Anthony Davis
Returning to form after calf injury
Ryan Nembhard
43 points, 23 assists against Denver
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
32.8 PPG – NBA scoring leader
Dallas brought multiple weapons to the Paycom Center. Ryan Nembhard, the undrafted point guard, had recently exploded for 43 points and 23 assists with just one turnover in victories against Denver and Miami. Anthony Davis returned to form after missing 14 games with a left calf strain, providing Dallas with essential interior presence.
Coach Jason Kidd emphasized that Flagg’s growth has been critical: “He’s been big for us. We’ve leaned on him on both ends of the floor. He makes winning plays, not just in the clutch but throughout the game.”
Thunder’s Streak Faces Deepening Test
Oklahoma City’s dominant first-half performance in their winning streak saw victories by 13 or more points in their opening nine straight wins. However, recent contests indicated Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder were developing resilience in tighter games. “Every game in the NBA is going to look different every night,” Gilgeous-Alexander explained. “It’s a skill you have to learn and develop as a team.”
Injuries continued to plague both rosters heading into Friday’s matchup. The Thunder were without Isaiah Hartenstein for the fourth consecutive game, while Alex Caruso and Lugentz Dort had also missed recent action. Dallas faced challenges with Daniel Gafford suffering an ankle injury and Dereck Lively II and PJ Washington remaining sidelined.
What Does This Victory Mean for Both Franchises?
A Thunder win extends their historic start and keeps them on pace for one of the NBA’s greatest seasons. Oklahoma City won their first championship last year, and this dominant performance validates that title run. For the Mavericks, playoff positioning becomes critical as the season progresses, with their young core needing continued development against elite competition.
“I think it’s a skill that you have to learn and develop as a team — to just roll with the punches and just take whatever the game, whatever the team, whatever the night gives you and figure out how to come out on top.”
— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder Point Guard
Sources
NBA.com – Official game information and team statistics
ESPN – Game coverage and player performance data
Fox Sports – Box scores and matchup analysis
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