If you caught the thrilling NBA showdown on May 14th between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder, you already know it was a nail-biter. The Thunder shocked the basketball world with a close win over the Mavericks—one of the league’s most respected teams. Now that the dust has settled, let’s dig into the Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder match player stats and uncover exactly how the Thunder pulled off this impressive victory, and where Dallas slipped up.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual NBA watcher, or someone curious about basketball analytics, this breakdown will give you clear insights without all the jargon. Think of it as your friendly post-game chat that explains the stats and tells you what really happened on the court.

Why This Match Was So Surprising

The Mavericks, led by the charismatic owner Mark Cuban and legends like Dirk Nowitzki, have always been a force to reckon with. Even though they’ve clinched just one NBA Championship (back in 2011), their reputation as a top-tier team remains strong. So when the Thunder edged them out, it caught a lot of people off guard.

Let’s get into the Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder match player stats to find out what gave the Thunder the winning edge.

1. Overall Match Stats: Where Did the Teams Shine?

Before we focus on individual heroes, it’s important to see how the teams matched up as a whole. Here are the key stats that set the stage for this game:

Field Goal Percentage: Both teams shot incredibly well, but the Thunder had a slight advantage with 52.3% compared to Dallas’s 51.2%. This tells us both squads were efficient shooters, but the Thunder edged just a bit ahead.
Three-Point Percentage: The three-point shooting was almost a dead heat—Mavericks at 41.4% and Thunder close behind at 41%. In today’s NBA, sharp shooting from beyond the arc can be a game-changer, so this balance made the game super tight.
Free Throw Percentage: This was the Thunder’s shining moment—they nailed an impressive 87% of their free throws, while the Mavericks made 80.8%. When the game is close, free throws often decide the winner, and Oklahoma City capitalized perfectly here.
Rebounds: The Mavericks dominated the glass, grabbing 40 rebounds (10 offensive and 30 defensive) compared to the Thunder’s 34. Controlling rebounds usually helps a team control the pace and get second-chance points.
Assists: The Thunder’s ball movement was slightly better with 28 assists to Dallas’s 25, showing better teamwork and passing.
Turnovers: Dallas struggled with ball control, committing 19 turnovers while Oklahoma City kept theirs to 13. Fewer turnovers usually mean more scoring chances.
Steals: The Thunder’s defense was aggressive, getting 10 steals compared to 6 for Dallas, creating more opportunities for fast breaks.
Blocks: Another big advantage for the Thunder with 7 blocks versus 2 for the Mavericks—this shows how the Thunder’s defense really shut down Dallas’s shots.
Personal Fouls: Both teams played physically with 24 fouls for the Thunder and 20 for the Mavericks, indicating a competitive and tough matchup.

2. Dallas Mavericks: The Standout Players Who Gave It Their All

Even though the Mavericks lost, several players stepped up with impressive performances that deserve recognition.

Kyrie Irving — The Team MVP

Kyrie was on fire with a total of 36 points, showing why he’s one of the NBA’s elite scorers. He was especially deadly beyond the arc, hitting 4 of 7 three-pointers, and perfect from the free-throw line (8/8). But Kyrie wasn’t just scoring—he grabbed 4 rebounds and dished out 12 assists, running the offense like a true leader.

Tim Hardaway Jr. — The All-Rounder

Tim Hardaway Jr. gave a solid performance with 23 points. He knocked down 5 of 9 three-pointers and was perfect on his two free throws. Hardaway also contributed 9 rebounds and 3 assists, showing his versatility.

Daniel Gafford — The Rebounding Beast

Gafford was a force on the boards with 15 rebounds (a huge contribution to the Mavericks’ strong rebounding numbers) and added 19 points on a highly efficient 8 of 11 shooting. He was also flawless on free throws (3/3) and even blocked a shot.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder: How They Outplayed the Mavericks

The Thunder’s victory came thanks to a team effort, but a few key players stood out.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — The Point Leader

Shai scored 31 points, shooting a solid 9 of 16 from the field. He was clutch at the line, making 12 of 15 free throws. Gilgeous-Alexander also grabbed 9 rebounds and handed out 5 assists, showing why he’s the Thunder’s go-to guy.

Jalen Williams — The Rising Star

Williams made a huge impact with 27 points, hitting 3 of 5 three-point attempts. He also pulled down 4 rebounds and dished 5 assists, contributing in multiple ways.

Josh Giddey — The Playmaker

Despite some ups and downs, Giddey scored 18 points and contributed 5 assists. His three-point shooting was off (2 of 7), but he still helped on rebounds with 3 boards.

4. What Went Wrong for the Mavericks?

Looking at the Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder match player stats, a few areas stand out as reasons for their loss:

Turnovers: The Mavericks’ 19 turnovers were costly, giving the Thunder more scoring chances.
Defense: Only 2 blocks and fewer steals (6 compared to 10 for the Thunder) meant the Mavericks couldn’t disrupt Oklahoma City’s offense effectively.
Free Throws: Missing key free throws (80.8% compared to the Thunder’s 87%) in a close game can make a big difference.

5. Why Did the Thunder Win? The Winning Formula

The Thunder’s ability to capitalize on free throws, play aggressive defense (steals and blocks), and limit turnovers were the keys to their success. Plus, their balanced scoring and teamwork gave them the edge in crucial moments.

6. Key Takeaways From the Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats

Efficiency Matters: Both teams shot well, but small edges in free throws and ball control made a big impact.
Defense Wins Games: The Thunder’s defense disrupted Dallas’s rhythm and created extra opportunities.
Rebounding Isn’t Everything: Although the Mavericks dominated rebounds, they couldn’t convert enough on offense.
Star Performances Can’t Always Carry You: Even with Kyrie Irving’s MVP-worthy game, basketball is a team sport, and the Thunder played better as a unit.

7. What NBA Fans Can Learn From This Match

If you love basketball or play the game yourself, this match is a great reminder that every detail counts. Whether it’s taking care of the ball, hitting free throws under pressure, or playing tough defense, those little things can tip the scales in close games.

Final Thoughts on the Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats

This exciting game showed how even the most respected teams can be challenged when the underdogs step up their game. The Dallas Mavericks vs OKC Thunder match player stats highlight that solid fundamentals, teamwork, and clutch performances are what really win games.

If you want to keep up with more NBA game analyses or dive deeper into player stats, stay tuned! These insights can change how you watch and enjoy basketball.

Dallas Mavericks Vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats