Mavericks vs Thunder: Epic Western Conference Clash Delivers Thriller in OKC
The Dallas Mavericks faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 5, 2025, in a high-stakes Western Conference showdown at Paycom Center, where the Thunder extended their dominance with a commanding performance despite injury challenges on both sides. OKC, boasting a league-best 21-1 record and a 13-game winning streak, hosted a scrappy Mavericks squad riding a three-game win streak at 8-15. This matchup highlighted emerging stars like Cooper Flagg for Dallas and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for OKC, blending historic rivalry with modern NBA firepower in a game that showcased elite defense and clutch play.
Thunder’s Unstoppable Rise in 2025-26
Oklahoma City Thunder entered the night as the NBA’s pinnacle of excellence, holding a staggering 21-1 record and a perfect 10-0 mark at home, positioning them as frontrunners for another deep playoff run following their title defense. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, has been the engine, averaging 32.8 points, 6.5 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting an elite 54.8% from the field and 43.4% from three. Jalen Williams, fresh off a wrist injury, complements SGA with 16.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and versatile scoring, making OKC’s offense the West’s second-best at 122.3 points per game on 49.1% shooting.
Chet Holmgren anchors the paint with rim protection and spacing, emerging as an All-Star contender amid OKC’s “next man up” mentality despite multiple absences. The Thunder’s depth shone through a 13-game streak, including gritty wins without key defenders, proving their championship pedigree. Ajay Mitchell has stepped up with 15 points and steals, underscoring OKC’s bench resilience in a season defined by historic dominance.
Mavericks’ Gritty Resurgence Amid Adversity
Dallas Mavericks arrived in Oklahoma City on a hot streak, notching three straight victories over tough foes like the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat, improving to 8-15 despite a brutal injury toll. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, has electrified the league, breaking LeBron James’ record as the youngest to score 35 points in a game and averaging impactful lines like 22 points with 6 rebounds against Miami. His availability despite a thumb splint injected hope into a lineup missing Kyrie Irving (torn ACL) and Dereck Lively II (foot management).
Max Christie and Brandon Williams provided early sparks, with contributions from Klay Thompson and Dwight Powell filling gaps left by questionable statuses for PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford. The Mavs’ 4-1 ATS run in their last five games reflects Jason Kidd’s defensive schemes, holding opponents to 115.7 points while grabbing 44.7 rebounds per contest. Flagg’s historic outings against LA teams signal a bright future, blending athleticism with poise beyond his years.
Head-to-Head Legacy: A Storied Rivalry
The Mavericks-Thunder series spans decades, with Dallas holding a slight 100-108 all-time edge (48.1%) including playoffs, though OKC leads regular-season matchups 92-87. Last season, Dallas went 3-1 against OKC, including a 121-115 road win on January 23, 2025, fueling bad blood from their 2024 Western Conference Semifinals clash. Luka Doncic has historically dominated OKC with 26.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.1 assists across 17 games, though injuries shifted focus to Flagg this year.
OKC’s home dominance contrasts Dallas’ road woes (3-5 away), but the Mavs’ largest win margin—44 points in 1985—reminds of their upset potential. Playoff history is even at 3-3 series, with Dallas’ 13-game win streak from 2005-2008 etched in lore. This December 5 tilt tested OKC’s streak against Dallas’ momentum, echoing intense Southwest Division battles.
Key Matchups and Injury Battles
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Dallas’ backcourt loomed largest, with SGA’s 35.3 points per game in three 2024-25 meetings exploiting turnovers (Dallas ranks third-highest offensively). Cooper Flagg’s athleticism challenged Chet Holmgren’s length, pitting rookie explosiveness against OKC’s seven-footer who boasts blocks and threes. Jalen Williams over 24.5 points + assists targeted Dallas’ thin frontcourt sans Lively and Gafford.
Thunder injuries sidelined Luguentz Dort (adductor), Alex Caruso (quad), Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus), Nikola Topic, and Thomas Sorber, thinning perimeter defense. Mavericks countered without Irving, Exum (knee), Lively, with Washington and Gafford questionable—Flagg available in a thumb splint. OKC’s home win streak (10 games) and 17-1 West record favored them, but Dallas’ transition defense (third-best) promised a grind.
| Category | Thunder Advantage | Mavericks Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 21-1, W13 | W3 streak |
| Scoring | 122.3 PPG | Flagg’s 35-pt history |
| Injuries | Dort, Caruso out | Irving, Lively out |
| ATS Recent | 2-3 last 5 | 4-1 last 5 |
| Head-to-Head | 92-87 regular season | 3-1 last year |
Game Flow: Thunder’s Halftime Surge Seals Destiny
The first quarter ended tied at 27-27, with Holmgren’s 9 points and Flagg’s early 4 points setting a defensive tone amid 9-9 early ties. Dallas led briefly 30-27 before OKC exploded in the second, outscoring the Mavs 36-21 (per updates) to lead 63-48 at halftime, fueled by Jalen Williams’ 8 points and Holmgren’s threes. Halftime showcased Thunder’s paint control despite absences, with OKC’s 49.1% shooting overwhelming Dallas’ 45.7% clip.
Post-break, OKC maintained control, with live updates showing a halftime lead ballooning as SGA entered for bursts. Mavericks fought via Christie’s threes (7 points) and Flagg’s free throws, but Thunder’s depth prevailed in a projected low-scoring slog under 231 total. OKC’s fast breaks off Dallas turnovers proved decisive, echoing predictions of a 125-95 rout adjusted for real-time dominance.
Standout Performances Lighting the Night
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander orchestrated OKC’s attack with elite efficiency, his MVP form shining against depleted Dallas guards. Jalen Williams dazzled post-injury, nearing 24.5 points + assists while Holmgren’s 5 rebounds and 9 points neutralized Flagg early. Ajay Mitchell’s 15-point average and steals added bench pop.
Cooper Flagg battled valiantly (4 points early, free throws late), embodying rookie promise despite thumb issue. Max Christie (7 points, 3/4 FG) and Brandon Williams (7 points) sparked Dallas, with Klay Thompson’s attempts highlighting vet grit. OKC role players like Ousmane Dieng (5 points) filled voids masterfully.
Strategic Breakdown: Defense Wins Championships
Mark Daigneault’s Thunder thrived on elite half-court D, generating transitions despite Dort/Caruso absences, holding Dallas to second-quarter futility. Jason Kidd’s Mavs leaned on Flagg’s versatility and Christie’s shooting, but foot injury management hampered rebounding. Betting trends favored OKC -15.5, with under hitting amid grind-it-out pace.
OKC’s 78.9% win probability reflected home streak and depth. Dallas’ 4-10 vs. .500+ foes underscored challenges, yet their 4-5 “clutch” time suggested upset potential unrealized.
What This Means for the West
Thunder’s win pushes them to 22-1, solidifying dynasty talk with SGA’s MVP repeat in sight. Mavericks’ fight exposes Flagg’s ROTY case, but injuries demand roster tweaks for playoff contention. Rivalry intensifies with March 1 rematch looming, promising fireworks in a stacked Southwest.