Thunder Defeats Mavericks in NBA Cup Quarterfinals

The Oklahoma City Thunder advanced to the NBA Cup semifinals by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 118-104, avenging their earlier playoff loss. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting and adding eight rebounds and five assists. His offensive prowess was complemented by Luguentz Dort's strong defense, limiting Luka Doncic to just 16 points. This victory places the Thunder at the top of the Western Conference with a 19-5 record, showcasing their potential as championship contenders. Gilgeous-Alexander has been in remarkable form, scoring over 30 points in eight of his last ten games, indicating his readiness for MVP consideration. The team aims to build on this momentum and solidify its status as a formidable opponent in the league.