Gilgeous-Alexander’s 30-Point Surge Stuns Mavericks in Thunder’s Dominant 100-87 Victory—What Fueled the Breakout Performance?

In a gritty showdown at the American Airlines Center, the Oklahoma City Thunder flexed their championship mettle, securing a 100-87 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off an injury layoff, lit up the scoreboard with 30 points, extending his NBA record for consecutive road games with at least 20 points to an astounding 59. Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren chipped in with a solid 19 points and nine boards, reinforcing OKC’s dominance as they cling to the summit of the Western Conference. On the flip side, the Mavericks, hampered by injuries to key players including rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, struggled to find their rhythm and were held to a season-low point total. Caleb Martin’s season-best 18 points offered a glimmer of hope in an otherwise tough night for Dallas. As the Thunder tighten their grip on the top spot and Dallas tries to break a prolonged home losing skid, both teams look ahead to pivotal road battles that could shape their seasons. LEARN MORE.

DALLAS (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points, Chet Holmgren had 19 points and nine rebounds and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks 100-87 on Sunday night.

Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 20 points in 59 consecutive road games, the longest streak in NBA history. The reigning NBA MVP played his second game after missing nine because of an abdominal strain.

The defending champion Thunder are 47-15, a half-game behind Detroit for the NBA lead. They have a three-game lead in West over second-place San Antonio.

The Mavericks, with star rookie Cooper Flagg among three regular starters sidelined, were held to a season low in points and saw the NBA’s longest active streak of triple-digit games end at 41. They are 21-39.

Caleb Martin scored a season-high 18 points to lead the Mavericks, who lost their eighth consecutive home game and 13th overall in the last 15. It’s their longest such home drought since dropping 12 straight in 1993-94.

It was the first time that Martin, acquired from Philadelphia on Feb. 5, 2025, led Dallas in scoring in 65 games. It was the Thunder’s fewest points in a win this season, the previous low being their 101-94 win on Oct. 27.

Flagg missed his seventh consecutive game with a sprained left foot. Dallas was also missing Naji Marshall (right-finger contusion) and P.J. Washington Jr. (left ankle sprain).

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has said Flagg probably won’t play when last season’s collegiate player of the year for Duke makes his first NBA trip back to North Carolina for a game against Charlotte on Tuesday night.