Without its two top options in the front court, the Thunder committed to the small-ball vision, and Cleveland had no answer whatsoever. The Thunder overpowered the Cavs with energetic defense and elite shotmaking all over the floor.
The Oklahoma City Thunder lost 106-98 against the Dallas Mavericks Friday night. Oklahoma City trailed by 20 at halftime and managed to take a two-point third-quarter lead but scored just 22 fourth-quarter points.
The trickle-down effect of Irving’s return changes the dynamic for Dallas’ backcourt play. Dinwiddie joined Irving in the backcourt and Naji Marshall returned to the bench. Jaden Hardy, who was in the midst of an offensive surge, was the first guard off the bench in Irving’s absence.
In a matchup of depleted rosters, the Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a 106-98 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. The Thunder were without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Meanwhile, the Mavericks were without Luka Doncic and Dereck Lively II. It became a contest of Jalen Williams, Kyrie Irving and role players.
Get real-time NBA basketball coverage and scores as Oklahoma City Thunder takes on Dallas Mavericks. We bring you the latest game previews, live stats, and recaps on CBSSports.com
Kyrie Irving scored 25 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 106-98 home win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.
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Donovan Mitchell After Cavs Rolled By Thunder: ‘I Put This One On Me’The Cavaliers arrived in Oklahoma City on Thursday boasting the best record in the NBA, but by the time the final buzzer sounded, they looked nothing like the juggernaut that had captured the league’s attention.
The league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers and west-leading Oklahoma City Thunder clash once again in primetime. Find out how to watch for free.
The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a 106-98 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The rare defeat had plenty of caveats for both sides. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a late scratch with a wrist sprain. He joined Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein in street clothes. Dallas was without Luka Doncic and Dereck Lively II.
Both Dallas and OKC were missing MVP candidates on Friday night, but the Mavericks were able to get a much-needed victory.
The Oklahoma City Thunder fell behind by 20 points at halftime, then started the second half on a 26-to-6 run to get back in it, before losing at Dallas 106-98 on Friday night at the American
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