In the heart of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, a high-octane showdown unfolded between the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder that electrified basketball fans around the world. The matchup, rich with talent and tension, brought out some of the season’s finest performances and defined what it means to thrive under playoff pressure.
With elite names like Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlining the game, it was a clash that etched its place in NBA history. Fans were treated to an extraordinary blend of heart-pounding action, strategic brilliance, and clutch plays.
More than just a game, this matchup reflected the culmination of a season’s grind and the sheer willpower it takes to survive in the Western Conference Semifinals. Here’s a comprehensive look at the Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder match player stats, wrapped in excitement and expert insight.
Game Recap and Score Summary
The Mavericks and Thunder met in a decisive battle that tipped the scales in favor of Dallas. With the series on the line, both teams brought intensity from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
The Mavericks closed out the series with a dramatic 117-116 victory in Game 6, winning the series 4–2 and advancing to the Western Conference Finals. The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads and refusing to back down.
Dallas took control late in the fourth quarter, but Oklahoma City’s young core pushed back with relentless energy. In the closing seconds, P.J. Washington calmly sank the game-winning free throws that sealed Dallas’ fate and shattered the Thunder’s comeback hopes.
It wasn’t just the final score that told the story—it was the journey to get there. The box score revealed stellar shooting percentages, lockdown defense, and heroic individual efforts that carried the Mavericks to victory and left OKC with valuable playoff experience.
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Key Players Who Shined
Every great NBA battle features standout players who rise above the rest. This clash was no different, with key figures making bold statements when it mattered most.
- Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
- 29 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists in Game 6
- Orchestrated the offense with masterful precision, notching another triple-double performance
- Controlled tempo and delivered in high-pressure moments
- 29 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists in Game 6
- Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks)
- 22 points in Game 6
- Steady and poised, provided scoring bursts and leadership down the stretch
- 22 points in Game 6
- Derrick Jones Jr. (Dallas Mavericks)
- Scored 22 crucial points, acting as the X-factor on both ends
- His versatility added depth to Dallas’ lineup
- Scored 22 crucial points, acting as the X-factor on both ends
- P.J. Washington (Dallas Mavericks)
- Hit the game-winning free throws with 2.5 seconds remaining
- Added 10 points and 10 rebounds in Game 5, highlighting his two-way presence
- Hit the game-winning free throws with 2.5 seconds remaining
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Dropped a series-high 36 points in Game 6
- Showcased elite playmaking and clutch scoring
- Dropped a series-high 36 points in Game 6
- Jalen Williams (OKC Thunder)
- 22 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists in Game 6
- Nearly recorded a triple-double and proved his rising star status
- 22 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists in Game 6
- Chet Holmgren (OKC Thunder)
- 21 points in Game 6 and 13 in Game 5
- Delivered impact in the paint and mid-range
- 21 points in Game 6 and 13 in Game 5
Notable Stats and Milestones
Behind every exciting game are numbers that tell the full story. Let’s dive into the statistics that defined the Mavericks vs Thunder playoff battle.
- Dallas Mavericks outscored OKC in clutch-time minutes, especially in Game 6
- Luka Doncic recorded back-to-back triple-doubles, showcasing all-around dominance
- Derrick Jones Jr. had a playoff-career-high 22 points in Game 6
- Thunder shot over 50% from the field, but fell short due to late-game turnovers
- Both teams combined for 24 made three-pointers in Game 6
- Mavericks outrebounded the Thunder in second-chance opportunities, a key to their win
- Free throw efficiency from Dallas (91%) proved decisive in close moments
Impactful Moments and Turning Points
Every playoff classic hinges on a few key moments that swing momentum and define legacy. In this game, multiple flashpoints ignited fan energy and changed the course of the night.
The most pivotal moment came with just seconds left on the clock. With Dallas trailing by one, P.J. Washington stepped to the line and drained both free throws. The calm under pressure turned him into an overnight playoff hero. Oklahoma City had one final chance, but a contested look from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed the mark.
Earlier in the game, Luka Doncic’s third-quarter takeover erased an OKC lead and shifted momentum toward Dallas. His combination of step-back threes and no-look assists energized his teammates and silenced a roaring OKC crowd.
The Thunder also had their moments. A fast-break dunk from Jalen Williams followed by a deep three from Chet Holmgren brought the Thunder within one point late in the fourth, setting up the dramatic finish.
Team Strategies and Game Tactics
Both teams entered the matchup with tailored strategies, crafted around their stars and bench dynamics. It was a chess match of rotations, defensive matchups, and calculated risks.
Dallas Mavericks leaned heavily on their experience. Coach Jason Kidd’s game plan emphasized Luka as the primary creator while surrounding him with efficient shooters and active defenders. Switch-heavy defense neutralized OKC’s spacing, and ball movement kept defenders rotating.
On the other side, the Oklahoma City Thunder relied on their youth and speed. Coach Mark Daigneault emphasized transition offense and perimeter pressure. SGA was allowed freedom to operate in isolation, while Holmgren and Williams provided secondary creation and rim protection.
The execution on both sides was elite, but in the end, Dallas’ discipline in late-game situations gave them the edge.
Performance Breakdown by Quarter
Understanding the game flow by quarters paints a vivid picture of how each team rose and fell.
- First Quarter
- Thunder opened strong with a 12-2 run
- Mavericks settled in behind Doncic’s early facilitation
- Thunder opened strong with a 12-2 run
- Second Quarter
- Back-and-forth scoring, both teams exchanged leads
- Irving hit key mid-range shots to keep pace
- Back-and-forth scoring, both teams exchanged leads
- Third Quarter
- Doncic caught fire, scoring 12 in the quarter
- Mavericks defense tightened, forcing multiple turnovers
- Doncic caught fire, scoring 12 in the quarter
- Fourth Quarter
- Thunder’s push led by SGA tied the game
- Washington’s free throws sealed the game for Dallas
- Thunder’s push led by SGA tied the game
Fan Reactions and Social Buzz
Fans took to social media in waves, with hashtags like #MFFL and #ThunderUp trending throughout the night. The emotional rollercoaster of the final minutes sparked viral reactions, memes, and celebratory posts.
Luka Doncic’s triple-double and Washington’s clutch performance were praised across platforms. Fans and analysts alike called it one of the best games of the 2024 postseason. NBA legends chimed in on X (formerly Twitter), with glowing endorsements of the game’s excitement and skill level.
Even rival team fanbases applauded the intensity and execution, highlighting how playoff basketball continues to unite and thrill.
Implications for the Playoffs
This win catapults the Dallas Mavericks into the Western Conference Finals, where they will face a battle-tested contender. The team’s balance between veteran poise and youthful energy looks formidable.
For the Oklahoma City Thunder, the loss marks the end of their 2024 run, but not without optimism. Their young core has proven capable of challenging elite teams. With SGA, Williams, and Holmgren growing fast, OKC’s future shines bright.
The series also reshapes playoff narratives—highlighting the resurgence of Dallas and the awakening of a new Western Conference power in Oklahoma City.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Mavericks now gear up for the next round, where Luka and Kyrie will lead the charge. Questions linger about their matchup potential, but if their current form holds, a trip to the NBA Finals isn’t out of reach.
The Thunder will shift to offseason development. With draft picks, cap space, and a young trio already exceeding expectations, the foundation is set for sustained success. Expect OKC to return stronger, wiser, and more dangerous in 2025.
Final Thoughts
The Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder match player stats tell a story far deeper than numbers. They reveal heart, resilience, and a glimpse into the NBA’s bright future. This game delivered everything fans crave: drama, skill, and unforgettable moments.
Whether you were cheering from Dallas, Oklahoma City, or halfway around the globe, this series reminded us why playoff basketball is one of the most cherished spectacles in sports. The Mavericks survived. The Thunder impressed. And the NBA just got even more exciting.
FAQs
Who had the most points in the Mavericks vs Thunder game?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the most with 36 points in Game 6.
Did Luka Doncic get a triple-double?
Yes, Luka recorded triple-doubles in both Game 5 and Game 6.
What was the final score of Game 6?
Dallas Mavericks won 117-116.
Who made the game-winning play?
P.J. Washington hit two clutch free throws to seal the win.
Will the Mavericks go to the Finals?
They are now in the Western Conference Finals and are one step away.
