Dallas Mavericks Exit NBA Cup After Thunder Loss

The Dallas Mavericks were eliminated from the NBA Cup after a 118-104 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking the end of their seven-game winning streak. Luka Doncic struggled significantly, scoring only 16 points and committing six turnovers, which led to criticism from fans and former players, including Quinn Cook, who claimed Doncic 'quit on his team' during the game. Despite his underwhelming performance, Doncic acknowledged the Thunder's strong defense and expressed disappointment in his own play, calling it one of his worst halves ever. Coach Jason Kidd also recognized the Thunder's defensive prowess, noting the Mavericks' high turnover rate as a critical factor in the loss. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shined for the Thunder, scoring 39 points and solidifying his MVP candidacy. Doncic's poor performance has reignited debates about his comparison with Jayson Tatum, although many still regard him as one of the top players in the league.