The stage was set for an electrifying Western Conference Semifinals matchup as the Oklahoma City Thunder faced off against the Dallas Mavericks in basketball sports Game 1 at the Paycom Center. Both teams came into the series with high expectations, but it was OKC that made a commanding statement with a 117-95 victory. Fueled by a stellar performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a dominant defensive effort, the Thunder showcased their championship aspirations against a talented Mavericks squad led by Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
With the energy of the 18,203 fans roaring through the arena, OKC took control early and never let up. The Mavericks, known for their offensive firepower, struggled to find a rhythm as the Thunder’s defensive pressure proved to be a game-changing factor. As the series progresses, Dallas will need to regroup and adjust if they hope to challenge the top-seeded Thunder.
Thunder Dominate Mavericks in Game 1 of Western Conference Semifinals
Oklahoma City, OK – May 7, 2024 – The Oklahoma City Thunder made a resounding statement in their Western Conference Semifinals opener, securing a 117-95 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at the Paycom Center in front of a packed crowd of 18,203 fans.
Game Overview
The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, delivered a well-rounded performance, outclassing the Mavericks on both ends of the floor. OKC took control in the second quarter, outscoring Dallas 39-30, and never looked back.
The game saw 11 lead changes and 8 ties before OKC pulled away in the second half. The Mavericks struggled to find their rhythm, with Luka Dončić being limited by OKC’s defensive efforts.
Final Scores by Quarter of OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks match player Stats: 7May 2024
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAL | 23 | 30 | 26 | 16 | 95 |
| OKC | 23 | 39 | 27 | 28 | 117 |
Key Player Performances of OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks match player
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 29 PTS, 9 REB, 9 AST, 8-19 FG, 11-13 FT
- Lu Dort: 15 PTS, 5 REB, lock-down defense on Dončić
- Chet Holmgren: 17 PTS, 11 REB, 3 BLK
- Josh Giddey: 12 PTS, 7 AST, 6 REB
Dallas Mavericks
- Luka Dončić: 19 PTS, 6-19 FG, 5 TO
- Kyrie Irving: 16 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB
- P.J. Washington: 14 PTS, 8 REB
- Derrick Jones Jr.: 10 PTS, 4 REB
Stat Breakdown
| Team | Points in the Paint | Fast Break Points | Biggest Lead | Bench Points | Total Rebounds | Turnovers | Points Off Turnovers |
| DAL | 32 | 8 | 3 | 23 | 15 | 15 | 12 |
| OKC | 40 | 9 | 25 | 42 | 9 | 9 | 22 |
Read Aslo: SportsGuruPro Spin Win Daily: Your Guide to Winning Big Every Day
Defensive Effort Pays Off
One of the biggest factors in OKC’s win was their defensive execution. Lu Dort, known for his elite perimeter defense, made life difficult for Luka Dončić, holding the MVP finalist to 19 points on 6-for-19 shooting. Chet Holmgren also played a significant role, using his 7-foot-1 frame to disrupt shots near the rim.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised Dort’s defensive intensity:
“Lu is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, and he showed why tonight.”
OKC Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks match player– Struggle Offensively
Dallas failed to find consistency on offense, with Dončić and Irving struggling to break through OKC’s disciplined defense. Dončić, visibly frustrated, kept his response short postgame:
“Who cares? We lost. We just got to move onto the next one. We’ve got to be better.”
Looking Ahead to Game 2
The Mavericks will have to make adjustments heading into Game 2, especially in limiting turnovers and improving shooting efficiency. The Thunder, on the other hand, will look to build on this momentum and take a 2-0 series lead at home.
Game 2 is set to take place on Thursday, May 9, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Mavericks will need a strong response if they want to avoid falling into a 0-2 hole.
Final Thoughts
With a dominant Game 1 performance, Oklahoma City Thunder showcased their strength as the top seed in the West. If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company continue this level of play, the Mavericks will have their work cut out for them in the rest of the series.
