In-Depth Analysis: Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats- January 23, 2025

Introduction

The Dallas Mavericks’ 119-112 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 23, 2025, at Paycom Center was a showcase of resilience and strategic execution. This regular-season clash, officiated by Scott Foster, Tony Brothers, and Natalie Sago, lasted 2 hours and 32 minutes. Dallas, eighth in the Western Conference (31-26), faced the top-seeded Thunder (35-22), who led the league with 68 wins in the 2024-25 season. Missing key players like Luka Doncic, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Caleb Martin, Dallas leaned on their depth and three-point shooting to secure a 3-1 season series win. OKC, without centers Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, struggled to protect the paint and rim, allowing Dallas to dominate inside and capitalize on turnovers. This article provides a detailed, original analysis of Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats, key moments, and strategic insights, drawing on the latest data to dissect this thrilling matchup.

• Date: January 23, 2025
• Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
• Final Score: Dallas Mavericks 119, Oklahoma City Thunder 112
• Game Duration: 2 hours and 32 minutes

Key Points

• The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-112 on January 23, 2025, at Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, securing a 3-1 season series win.
• P.J. Washington led Dallas with 28 points, including 4/7 from three, while Jalen Williams paced OKC with a season-high 33 points.
• Dallas overcame the absence of Luka Doncic (calf strain) and injuries to Daniel Gafford and others, capitalizing on OKC’s missing centers Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
• The Mavericks’ 13/30 three-point shooting (43.3%) and 22 points off 14 Thunder turnovers proved decisive in a game that saw OKC rally from a 14-point deficit.

Game Context and Significance

Dallas entered the game on a two-game win streak, having defeated OKC 106-98 on January 17, 2025, behind Irving’s 25 points. The Mavericks’ acquisition of Anthony Davis in February 2025 (though injured for this game) and Klay Thompson in July 2024 bolstered their roster, but injuries forced reliance on role players like Washington and Dinwiddie. OKC, coming off a 125-104 win over Memphis that set a franchise-record 61 wins, leaned on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (28.8 PPG, league-leading) and Jalen Williams (20.4 PPG). This game was a rematch of the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals, where Dallas won 4-2, and the January 17 loss fueled OKC’s revenge narrative. As 13-point underdogs, Dallas’ upset underscored their ability to compete with elite teams despite injuries, while OKC’s loss exposed vulnerabilities without their frontcourt anchors.

Detailed Recap

Dallas jumped to a 32-28 first-quarter lead, with Irving’s 10 points and Washington’s 8 outpacing Gilgeous-Alexander’s 8. The Mavericks extended their advantage in the second, with Dinwiddie’s 8 bench points and a 7-0 run sparked by Washington’s three-pointer, leading 62-54 at halftime. OKC struggled, shooting 42.3% in the first half, with Lu Dort’s ejection after a flagrant foul on Gafford limiting their defense. The third quarter saw Dallas push their lead to 14 (90-76), as Washington’s 12 points and Thompson’s 2 threes overwhelmed OKC’s perimeter defense. OKC mounted a fourth-quarter rally, with Williams’ 22 points, including 8/10 shooting, cutting the deficit to 110-108 with 5:56 left. Dallas responded with a 9-4 run, capped by Dinwiddie’s three-pointer at 1:22, sealing the 119-112 win. The Mavericks’ 13/30 three-point shooting, 22 points off turnovers, and 52.7% field goal percentage were decisive against OKC’s 47.1% shooting and 12/33 from deep.

Player Performances and Statistics

Below are the detailed statistics for key players, with in-depth analysis of their contributions:

Dallas Mavericks Player Stats

• P.J. Washington (PF): 28 points (10/18 FG, 4/7 3P, 4/5 FT), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 0 turnovers, +10 plus-minus, 36 minutes
  • Washington was Dallas’ catalyst, scoring 28 points, including 12 in the third quarter to build a 14-point lead. His 4/7 three-point shooting stretched OKC’s defense, and his 8 rebounds, including 3 offensive, led to 6 second-chance points. His block on Williams’ layup sparked a fast-break, and his 55.6% shooting efficiency was critical without Doncic. Washington’s +10 plus-minus reflected his two-way impact, per NBA.com.
• Kyrie Irving (PG): 24 points (9/17 FG, 2/5 3P, 4/4 FT), 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, +8 plus-minus, 38 minutes
  • Irving’s 24 points and 7 assists, including a lob to Washington, kept Dallas’ offense flowing. His 52.9% shooting and 2/5 from three countered OKC’s double-teams, though 2 turnovers led to 4 Thunder points. His +8 plus-minus and clutch mid-range jumper at 2:45 (116-110) sealed the game, showcasing his leadership without Doncic.
• Spencer Dinwiddie (SG, Bench): 28 points (11/14 FG, 3/5 3P, 3/4 FT), 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +12 plus-minus, 28 minutes
  • Dinwiddie was a revelation off the bench, scoring 28 points on 78.6% shooting, including 3/5 from three. His 10 third-quarter points and a clutch three at 1:22 (119-112) thwarted OKC’s rally. His +12 plus-minus and steal on Gilgeous-Alexander fueled a fast-break, highlighting his impact in a career-high performance.
• Klay Thompson (SG): 14 points (5/12 FG, 3/8 3P, 1/2 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 turnovers, +6 plus-minus, 32 minutes
  • Thompson’s 3/8 three-point shooting provided spacing, with 2 threes in the third quarter extending Dallas’ lead. His 41.7% shooting was inefficient, but his 5 rebounds and steal on Dort helped Dallas’ transition game. His +6 plus-minus reflected his role in maintaining offensive flow.
• Naji Marshall (SF): 10 points (4/8 FG, 1/3 3P, 1/2 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 turnovers, +4 plus-minus, 26 minutes
  • Marshall’s 10 points, including a corner three, supported Dallas’ bench. His 50% shooting and 4 rebounds added grit, though his 1/3 from three limited his perimeter impact. His +4 plus-minus and zero turnovers underscored his efficiency against OKC’s pressure.
• Quentin Grimes (SG): 8 points (3/7 FG, 1/3 3P, 1/2 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +2 plus-minus, 24 minutes
  • Starting for Doncic, Grimes’ 8 points included a three-pointer in the second quarter. His 42.9% shooting and steal on Williams sparked a fast-break, but his -2 plus-minus reflected struggles against OKC’s backcourt speed.
• Maxi Kleber (C): 6 points (2/4 FG, 1/2 3P, 1/2 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 block, 0 turnovers, +3 plus-minus, 22 minutes
  • Kleber’s 6 rebounds and block on Holmgren’s replacement helped Dallas control the paint (42 points). His 50% shooting and 1/2 from three added spacing, though his limited minutes reflected Dallas’ small-ball approach.

Oklahoma City Thunder Player Stats

• Jalen Williams (PF): 33 points (12/19 FG, 3/6 3P, 6/10 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, -8 plus-minus, 38 minutes
  • Williams was OKC’s offensive engine, scoring 22 second-half points on 8/10 shooting, including 3/6 from three. His 63.2% shooting nearly fueled a comeback, cutting the deficit to 110-108. His 2 turnovers led to 4 Dallas points, and his -8 plus-minus reflected OKC’s struggles when he rested.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG): 22 points (8/18 FG, 2/5 3P, 4/5 FT), 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 turnovers, -10 plus-minus, 40 minutes
  • Gilgeous-Alexander’s 22 points were below his 28.8 PPG average, as Dallas’ traps limited him to 44.4% shooting. His 8 assists, including a lob to Williams, kept OKC in the game, but 3 turnovers led to 6 Dallas points. His -10 plus-minus showed Dallas’ success in neutralizing him late.
• Cason Wallace (SG): 12 points (4/9 FG, 2/4 3P, 2/2 FT), 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 turnover, -6 plus-minus, 30 minutes
  • Wallace’s 12 points, including 2/4 from three, provided a spark, but his 44.4% shooting and a head injury in the second half limited his impact. His steal on Irving led to a fast-break, but his -6 plus-minus reflected OKC’s defensive struggles.
• Luguentz Dort (SF): 8 points (3/7 FG, 1/3 3P, 1/2 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, -4 plus-minus, 20 minutes
  • Dort’s ejection in the third quarter after a flagrant foul on Gafford curtailed his impact. His 42.9% shooting and 1/3 from three were inefficient, and his -4 plus-minus reflected OKC’s defensive drop-off without him.
• Aaron Wiggins (SG, Bench): 14 points (5/10 FG, 2/4 3P, 2/2 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 turnovers, -2 plus-minus, 24 minutes
  • Wiggins’ 14 bench points, including 2/4 from three, kept OKC competitive. His 50% shooting and zero turnovers were efficient, but his -2 plus-minus showed limited defensive impact against Dallas’ guards.
• Jalen Wilson (PF, Bench): 10 points (4/8 FG, 1/3 3P, 1/2 FT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, -3 plus-minus, 22 minutes
  • Wilson’s 10 points and 5 rebounds added depth, but his 50% shooting and 1/3 from three couldn’t counter Dallas’ frontcourt. His -3 plus-minus reflected OKC’s rebounding woes (43-43 tie).
• Kenrich Williams (SF): 6 points (2/5 FG, 1/2 3P, 1/2 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 turnovers, -5 plus-minus, 18 minutes
  • Williams’ 6 points and 3 rebounds were modest, with his 40% shooting and 1/2 from three limiting his impact. His steal sparked a fast-break, but his -5 plus-minus showed OKC’s struggles in his minutes.

Team Statistics and Comparison

The following table summarizes the team statistics, highlighting Dallas’ edge in shooting and turnovers:

Dallas’ 52.7% field goal shooting and 13/30 three-point shooting outpaced OKC’s 47.1% and 12/33 from deep. The Mavericks’ 22 points off 14 Thunder turnovers, compared to OKC’s 12 off 10, were decisive, as were their 42 bench points to OKC’s 28. Both teams tied at 43 rebounds, but Dallas’ 42 paint points exploited OKC’s lack of rim protection.

Strategic Insights and Analysis

Dallas, under Jason Kidd, executed a high-efficiency offense, leveraging their fourth-ranked offensive rating (118.5) to shoot 52.7% against OKC’s top-ranked defense (104.8 points allowed). Washington’s 4/7 three-point shooting and Dinwiddie’s 11/14 field goals exploited OKC’s undersized lineup, while Irving’s playmaking (7 assists) countered OKC’s traps. The Mavericks’ trapping defense on Gilgeous-Alexander, led by Grimes and Thompson, forced 3 turnovers, and their 22 points off turnovers mirrored their 17th-ranked points off turnovers (16.8 per game). Dallas’ bench, outscoring OKC’s 42-28, was critical without Doncic.

OKC, coached by Mark Daigneault, relied on their eighth-ranked offensive rating (116.2) but struggled without Holmgren and Hartenstein, allowing 42 paint points against their 18th-ranked paint defense (48.2 allowed). Williams’ 33 points and 3/6 from three stretched Dallas’ defense, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s 8/18 shooting reflected Dallas’ effective traps. OKC’s 14 turnovers, including 3 by Gilgeous-Alexander, were uncharacteristic for their 10th-ranked turnover rate (12.8 per game). Their 36.4% three-point shooting was below their 38.9% season average, and missing Dort after his ejection weakened their perimeter defense, allowing Dallas’ 13/30 from deep.

Key Moments and Turning Points

• First-Quarter Push (Q1): Irving’s 10 points and Washington’s 8 fueled a 6-0 run, giving Dallas a 32-28 lead, as OKC shot 7/18 (38.9%).
• Dinwiddie’s Spark (Q2): Dinwiddie’s 8 bench points and Washington’s three-pointer sparked a 7-0 run, extending the lead to 62-54 at halftime.
• Dort’s Ejection (Q3): Dort’s flagrant foul on Gafford led to his ejection, weakening OKC’s defense, as Washington’s 12 points pushed Dallas’ lead to 90-76.
• Williams’ Rally (Q4): Williams’ 22 points, including 8/10 shooting, cut Dallas’ lead to 110-108 with 5:56 left, but Dallas’ trapping defense forced a Gilgeous-Alexander turnover.
• Dinwiddie’s Dagger (Q4): Dinwiddie’s three-pointer at 1:22 (119-112) thwarted OKC’s comeback, as Dallas’ 5/11 fourth-quarter threes sealed the win.

Historical Context

The Mavericks and Thunder have a competitive history, with OKC leading 91-87 in 178 regular-season games. Dallas’ 3-1 season series win in 2024-25, including this 119-112 victory, mirrors their 4-2 win in the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals, where Doncic averaged 24.7 points. OKC’s 68 wins in 2024-25 set a franchise record, but their 6-5 record without Holmgren and Hartenstein highlights their frontcourt reliance. Dallas’ 50-32 record in 2024 and Western Conference Finals run show their contender status, but injuries to Doncic and Davis (adductor) have tested their depth, making this win a statement.

Playoff Implications

This regular-season game had no direct playoff impact, as Dallas was eliminated in the 2025 Play-In Tournament by Memphis (120-106), and OKC lost to Dallas in the 2024 semifinals. However, the win bolstered Dallas’ tiebreaker edge in the Western Conference standings, where they sit eighth (31-26) behind OKC’s first-place 35-22. Dallas’ ability to win without Doncic and Gafford suggests playoff resilience, while OKC’s loss exposed vulnerabilities without their centers, critical for their postseason aspirations after a 68-win season.

Looking Ahead

Dallas faces the Sacramento Kings on January 25, 2025, aiming to build on their 3-1 series win over OKC, but Doncic’s calf strain and Davis’ adductor injury remain concerns. OKC hosts the Houston Rockets on January 26, 2025, seeking to rebound from their two-game skid, with Holmgren’s hip injury (out 8 weeks) and Hartenstein’s hand injury testing their depth. Dallas’ 43.3% three-point shooting and bench depth must persist, while OKC needs to reduce turnovers (14th, 13.2 per game) and improve their 18th-ranked rebounding (43.4) to maintain their top seed.

Conclusion

The Dallas Mavericks’ 119-112 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 23, 2025, was a testament to their depth and resilience, overcoming the absence of Luka Doncic and Daniel Gafford. P.J. Washington’s 28 points, Spencer Dinwiddie’s 28 off the bench, and Kyrie Irving’s 24 led a 52.7% shooting effort, with 13/30 three-point shooting and 22 points off turnovers proving decisive. Jalen Williams’ 33 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 22 kept OKC close, but their 14 turnovers and missing centers cost them late. This game, a critical regular-season win for Dallas, underscored their ability to compete with the West’s best and highlighted OKC’s vulnerabilities, setting the stage for a compelling playoff race.