Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats: How Mavs Won 121-115 Without Doncic [Full Analysis]

The Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder match player stats from January 23, 2025, tell a compelling story of how roster depth and tactical adjustments can overcome individual brilliance in the NBA. The Mavericks secured a hard-fought 121-115 victory on the Thunder’s home court despite missing several key players.

I’ve spent hours analyzing the boxscore, watching game footage, and reviewing post-game comments to bring you this comprehensive breakdown of what happened when these Western Conference rivals clashed.

Game Flow: How the Battle Unfolded Quarter by Quarter

First Quarter: Thunder Edge Ahead (34-33)

OKC started with effective offensive execution, particularly through Jalen Williams who established his scoring rhythm early.

The Mavericks kept pace behind Spencer Dinwiddie’s efficient shooting and Kyrie Irving’s playmaking.

Both teams traded baskets throughout the period, with neither able to build a substantial lead.

The Thunder’s one-point advantage reflected the evenly matched opening exchanges.

Second Quarter: Maintaining the Edge (62-60 at Halftime)

The second quarter continued with similar intensity as the first.

Both squads maintained their offensive efficiency, with Thunder’s Gilgeous-Alexander becoming more involved.

A pivotal moment occurred near the end of the half when the Mavericks went on a momentum-shifting 19-2 run.

This run helped Dallas close what had been a larger gap, setting the stage for their second-half surge.

Despite this late push, the Thunder still managed to hold a slim 62-60 advantage heading into the locker room.

Third Quarter: Mavericks Seize Control (31-21)

The third quarter proved decisive for the final outcome.

Dallas emerged from halftime with noticeably increased defensive intensity, deploying an effective zone defense that disrupted OKC’s offensive flow.

P.J. Washington dominated the glass during this stretch, securing crucial defensive rebounds that limited the Thunder to one-shot possessions.

Dinwiddie continued his hot shooting, while Irving orchestrated the offense with precision.

This 10-point third-quarter advantage (31-21) gave the Mavericks a lead they would never relinquish.

Fourth Quarter: Holding Off the Thunder’s Push (30-32)

The Thunder mounted a valiant comeback attempt in the final period, outscoring Dallas 32-30.

Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge, combining for 18 points in the quarter.

The Mavericks maintained their composure under pressure, with clutch baskets from Irving when the lead was threatened.

Dallas’s ability to execute in high-pressure situations ultimately secured their 121-115 victory.

Mavericks Player Stats: Depth on Display

What makes this victory particularly impressive is how Dallas overcame the absence of their superstar Luka Doncic and several other key players. Let’s examine the standout performances:

Spencer Dinwiddie: The Efficient Scoring Machine

Points: 28 (team-high)
Shooting: 11-14 FG (78.6%) – exceptional efficiency
Three-point shooting: 3-6 (50%)
Free throws: 3-3 (100%)
Assists: 3
Minutes: 34:44
Plus/Minus: +10

Dinwiddie’s performance exemplified basketball efficiency at its finest.

His ability to score from all three levels—at the rim, mid-range, and beyond the arc—made him nearly unguardable for Thunder defenders.

Most impressively, he stepped into the primary scoring role typically occupied by Doncic without missing a beat, demonstrating the Mavericks’ roster resilience.

P.J. Washington: The Complete Two-Way Force

Points: 22
Rebounds: 19 (game-high) – 9 defensive, 10 offensive
Assists: 3
Steals: 3
Blocks: 2
Shooting: 37.5% FG, 40% from three
Minutes: 40:32
Plus/Minus: +15

Washington’s stat line showcases one of the most complete individual performances of the 2024-25 NBA season.

His work on the glass was particularly crucial with Dereck Lively II sidelined, as those 10 offensive rebounds created vital second-chance opportunities.

Defensively, his combined 5 stocks (steals + blocks) disrupted numerous Thunder possessions at critical moments.

Kyrie Irving: The Clutch Floor General

Points: 24
Assists: 4
Steals: 2
Three-point shooting: 4-8 (50%)
Free throws: 4-4 (100%)
Minutes: 39:12
Plus/Minus: +16 (game-high)

Irving’s game impact extended far beyond his box score numbers.

His gravity on offense created space for teammates, and his ball movement against double teams generated open looks throughout the game.

When the Thunder made their fourth-quarter push, Irving delivered several clutch baskets that maintained the Mavericks’ advantage.

His game-high +16 plus/minus perfectly encapsulates his overall positive impact.

Daniel Gafford: The Efficient Interior Presence

Points: 12
Rebounds: 5
Assists: 2
Blocks: 1
Steals: 1
Shooting: 5-6 FG (83.3%)
Minutes: 23:05

Gafford provided efficient interior scoring and rim protection.

His perfect 2-2 from the free-throw line demonstrated improved consistency in what has historically been a weaker aspect of his game.

Key Bench Contributors

The Mavericks’ second unit provided vital support:

Olivier-Maxence Prosper: 14 points, aggressive in drawing fouls (9 free throw attempts)
Quentin Grimes: 9 points, including two three-pointers, plus 3 assists
Maxi Kleber: 3 points, 4 assists, providing valuable veteran presence
Brandon Williams: 2 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists

The bench’s combined 28 points helped maintain offensive production when starters rested.

Thunder Player Stats: Individual Brilliance Not Enough

Oklahoma City featured two outstanding individual performances that ultimately couldn’t overcome Dallas’s team execution:

Jalen Williams: The Offensive Juggernaut

Points: 33 (game-high)
Assists: 7 (tied team-high)
Steals: 4 (game-high)
Shooting: 11-19 FG (57.9%)
Three-point shooting: 3-6 (50%)
Free throws: 7-10 (70%)
Minutes: 39:58
Plus/Minus: -11

Williams’ scoring brilliance came from all areas of the court.

His mid-range game was particularly effective, creating space against defenders with his footwork.

The disconnect between his exceptional statistical output and negative plus/minus highlights how team performance ultimately determines outcomes.

SGA faced increased defensive attention, including Dallas’s strategic use of double teams.

His playmaking remained strong despite the defensive pressure, but his three-point shooting fell below his season average.

The narrow -1 plus/minus suggests his minutes were relatively even in terms of team performance.

Supporting Cast Performance

Jaylin Williams: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 50% FG
Cason Wallace: 5 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block, but struggled shooting (20% FG)
Luguentz Dort: 2 points on dismal 14.3% shooting, usually known for his defensive contributions
Usman Jen: 8 points off the bench, providing a secondary scoring option

The Thunder’s supporting cast couldn’t match the consistency of their Mavericks counterparts, particularly in terms of shooting efficiency.

Tactical Analysis: What Decided the Game

Several key tactical elements determined the outcome of this closely contested battle:

Mavericks’ Zone Defense

Dallas implemented a zone defense for stretches of the game that clearly disrupted OKC’s offensive rhythm.

This tactical adjustment was particularly effective in the pivotal third quarter, where the Thunder managed just 21 points.

Post-game comments from Thunder players indicated they struggled to find consistent solutions against this defensive look.

Battle on the Boards

The rebounding numbers tell a significant story:

P.J. Washington’s 19 rebounds personally outworked large portions of the Thunder roster
The Mavericks’ ability to secure defensive rebounds limited OKC’s second-chance opportunities
Dallas’s offensive rebounding (particularly Washington’s 10) created extra possessions in a close game

Ball Movement vs. Isolation

While both teams had capable isolation scorers, Dallas’s ball movement created more consistent high-percentage looks.

The Mavericks effectively countered double teams on Irving by finding open shooters, maintaining offensive efficiency.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged this post-game, noting Dallas’s success in “driving the ball and executing effectively when Irving was double-teamed.”

The Impact of Missing Stars

This game serves as a perfect case study in roster construction and depth:

Mavericks’ Missing Pieces

Dallas secured this road win without:

Luka Doncic (calf injury) – their primary offensive engine and MVP candidate
Dereck Lively II (foot injury) – their defensive anchor and rim protector
Klay Thompson – veteran sharpshooter
Naji Marshall – wing defender

The ability to overcome the absence of a superstar like Doncic speaks volumes about Dallas’s roster construction and coaching.

Thunder’s Absence

OKC played without:

Chet Holmgren (hip injury) – their versatile big man and rim protector

Holmgren’s absence affected OKC’s frontcourt defense and rim protection, creating opportunities for Washington and Gafford.

Statistical Deep Dive: Beyond the Box Score

Advanced statistics reveal additional insights into this contest:

Plus/Minus Revelations

The most telling statistic? Despite Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander combining for 64 points, their collective plus/minus was -12.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks’ trio of Irving, Washington, and Dinwiddie posted a combined +41.

This stark contrast highlights how individual scoring brilliance doesn’t always translate to team success.

Shooting Efficiency Comparison

Mavericks team shooting: 48.6% FG, 44% 3PT
Thunder team shooting: 44.7% FG, 33.3% 3PT

The Mavericks’ superior three-point shooting (44% vs. 33.3%) created a significant advantage in a close game.

Third Quarter Turning Point

The decisive third quarter featured these contrasting statistics:

Mavericks: 31 points, 52.4% FG, 5 assists
Thunder: 21 points, 34.8% FG, 3 assists

This 10-point swing in a single quarter ultimately provided the winning margin.

Expert Analysis: What This Means in the Western Conference Picture

This victory carries significant implications for both teams:

For the Mavericks, winning without Doncic demonstrates their legitimacy as contenders regardless of individual availability.

The Thunder, despite the loss, showed their offensive firepower can challenge any team in the league when Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander are in sync.

This specific matchup could preview a potential playoff series, where Dallas’s superior depth might prove decisive in a seven-game format.

Quotes from the Court

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the Mavericks’ superiority: “They outplayed us, particularly with their success driving the ball and executing when Irving faced double teams.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pointed to execution issues: “Some unfortunate things and turnovers contributed to the loss. Their zone defense created challenges we couldn’t consistently solve.”

Also Read: Denver Nuggets vs Lakers Match Player Stats.

FAQs About Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats

Who scored the most points in the Mavericks vs Thunder game on January 23, 2025?

Jalen Williams of the OKC Thunder scored a game-high 33 points on efficient 57.9% shooting from the field. For the Mavericks, Spencer Dinwiddie led scoring with 28 points on an exceptional 78.6% shooting.

How did the Mavericks win without Luka Doncic?

The Mavericks compensated for Doncic’s absence through exceptional efficiency from Spencer Dinwiddie (28 points on 78.6% shooting), P.J. Washington’s dominance on the glass (19 rebounds), Kyrie Irving’s playmaking and scoring (24 points), and a decisive 31-21 third quarter advantage.

What was the final score of the Mavericks vs Thunder game?

The final score was Dallas Mavericks 121, Oklahoma City Thunder 115, with the Mavericks outscoring the Thunder by 6 points despite being on the road.

Which player had the best shooting percentage in the game?

Among players with significant attempts, Spencer Dinwiddie shot an exceptional 78.6% from the field (11-14 FG), while Daniel Gafford shot 83.3% (5-6 FG) in more limited attempts.

What tactical adjustments were key to the Mavericks’ victory?

The Mavericks implemented a zone defense that disrupted the Thunder’s offensive rhythm, particularly in the third quarter. They also moved the ball effectively against double teams on Irving, finding open shooters and driving lanes that maintained their offensive efficiency.

How did rebounds impact the game’s outcome?

Rebounding played a crucial role, with P.J. Washington grabbing 19 boards (10 offensive). These offensive rebounds created extra possessions for the Mavericks in a close game, while their defensive rebounding limited OKC’s second-chance opportunities.

How did the teams’ benches compare in this matchup?

The Mavericks received stronger bench contributions, led by Olivier-Maxence Prosper’s 14 points. The Thunder’s bench scoring was more limited, with Usman Jen providing 8 points but minimal production from other reserves.

Conclusion

The Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder match player stats demonstrate how basketball remains fundamentally a team sport. While the Thunder showcased exceptional individual talent through Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander, the Mavericks’ superior depth, tactical adjustments, and team-oriented execution proved decisive.

This January 2025 contest serves as a perfect case study in how roster construction, coaching adjustments, and balanced contributions often matter more than individual brilliance when determining NBA outcomes. The Mavericks’ ability to secure a road victory despite missing their superstar speaks volumes about their championship credentials for the 2024-25 season.

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