Shai Gilgeous-Alexander powers Thunder to victory.© (@ThunderFocus )
In recent years, the debate over who holds the edge between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks has been a focal point for NBA fans. Following Tuesday’s NBA Cup Quarterfinals, the pendulum may have swung in favor of Gilgeous-Alexander, as his stellar performance led the Thunder to victory, eliminating the Mavericks in a high-stakes showdown.
This win not only keeps Oklahoma City’s hopes alive in the inaugural NBA Cup but also avenges their playoff exit at the hands of Dallas last season. Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a masterclass on both ends of the court, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s elite.
In 38 minutes of action, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished out five assists, and contributed three steals and a block, shooting an efficient 65.2% from the field and 55.6% from three-point range. This dominant showing prompted Luka Dončić to acknowledge his counterpart’s brilliance, calling him “an amazing player” during his postgame remarks.
“He’s a great scorer and gets his teammates involved,” Luka Dončić said. “It’s hard to stop him; sometimes you must send two or three players. It’s amazing to play against a guy like that.”
The Thunder’s win also highlighted the team’s collective effort, though Gilgeous-Alexander undoubtedly spearheaded it. This performance aligns with his consistent dominance against the Mavericks, as he has averaged approximately 33 points, seven rebounds, 7 assists, and three steals or blocks in their last eight matchups.
In comparison, Dončić has posted averages of 24 points, ten rebounds, eight assists, and two stocks over the same period. While the Mavericks hold a slight edge with a 5-3 record in games where both stars have played, the rivalry continues to captivate fans and players alike.
Dončić expressed his admiration for the competitive nature of these matchups, noting that “the battles” have been enjoyable. With the season series currently tied 1-1, fans can look forward to two more head-to-head clashes on January 17 in Dallas and January 23 in Oklahoma City.
These upcoming games promise to deliver more of the thrilling action that has defined this budding rivalry as both teams and their star players look to solidify their standings in the league.
