If you were watching the Thunder take on the Mavericks, you know it was one of those games where you couldn't look away for a second. The action was relentless from the opening tip to the final buzzer. We saw some incredible individual performances, momentum swings, and tactical adjustments that kept everyone on their toes. Let's break down exactly how this intense matchup unfolded, quarter by quarter.
Key Highlights
- ✓ A non-stop offensive battle unfolded between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks on December 5, 2025.
- ✓ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a dominant force, hitting key shots and drawing crucial fouls throughout the contest.
- ✓ Jaden Hardy had a standout performance for the Mavericks, sinking multiple long-range three-pointers.
- ✓ Coaching decisions came under the microscope, particularly Jason Kidd's choice to keep Anthony Davis on the floor late in the game.
- ✓ The game was characterized by intense back-and-forth action, strategic timeouts, and frequent substitutions from both benches.
The Final Flourish in the Fourth Quarter
As the fourth quarter kicked off, the energy was still palpable. Things got going right away, and you could tell neither team was ready to coast to the finish line. We saw a flurry of three-pointers that defined the closing minutes. With just under 12 minutes to go, D'Angelo Russell hit a deep three from 26 feet out, assisted by Brandon Williams, and then did it again a minute later. It was a clear statement.
But the Thunder had answers. Brooks Barnhizer got a reverse layup to go, and Branden Carlson followed that up with a 24-foot three-pointer. Not to be outdone, Jaden Hardy for the Mavericks nailed a step-back three from 27 feet out, showing off his range. It was a real shootout, with players trading big shots from all over the court.
Substitutions and Strategy
Around the four-minute mark, the game paused for a Thunder timeout, leading to a massive wave of substitutions. It felt like both coaches were emptying their benches to get fresh legs in for the final push. Players like Moussa Cisse, Caleb Martin, Brandon Williams, and Brooks Barnhizer checked in, completely changing the on-court dynamics. This is often where games are won or lost—in those crucial coaching decisions.
Even with the game's outcome leaning one way, there were some head-scratching moments. The conversation around Jason Kidd playing Anthony Davis deep into the fourth of what was becoming a blowout loss is definitely something people will be talking about. It's a tough call for a coach—do you pull your stars to rest them, or do you let them play it out?
Third Quarter Intensity and Tactical Timeouts
The third quarter is often where teams make their move, and this game was no exception. It started with Naji Marshall finishing a reverse layup, assisted by Jaden Hardy, setting an aggressive tone. But the Thunder were right there with them. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a constant threat, getting to the free-throw line after drawing a foul on Hardy and sinking both shots. He has such a knack for creating contact and getting easy points.
The scoring came in waves. Shai hit a floating bank shot, followed by a jumper from Hardy. Then Ajay Mitchell drained a three for the Thunder. The back-and-forth was incredible. You could feel the momentum shifting with every possession. Shai later hit a huge step-back three-pointer from 25 feet, a true superstar play that got the home crowd buzzing.
The Battle of Adjustments
Both teams used their timeouts strategically in this quarter. The Thunder called one with 7:40 left, leading to a substitution wave that brought in Branden Carlson and Aaron Wiggins. Right after that, Hardy hit a 25-foot three. The Mavericks followed with a timeout of their own a couple of minutes later. These pauses weren't just for rest; they were chess moves, with coaches trying to counter each other's lineups and momentum.
This period also showcased some fantastic defense. Klay Thompson blocked a jump shot from Shai, and Chet Holmgren made his presence felt inside for the Thunder. Chet wasn't just a defensive anchor; he was also active on offense, scoring on a driving layup and a floating jump shot. His versatility was on full display.
The Second Quarter Tug-of-War
Coming into the second quarter, the game was still very much a grind. The period was defined by trips to the free-throw line and tough, physical play. It felt like every basket was earned the hard way. Early on, Cooper Flagg drew a shooting foul from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and calmly made both free throws. Moments later, it was Shai's turn, as he was fouled by Klay Thompson and converted his shots.
The defensive intensity was high. You saw Jaylin Williams block a driving layup from Brandon Williams, and Shai blocked a shot from Cooper Flagg at the rim. These weren't just minor plays; they were energy-shifting moments that prevented easy buckets. It was a real battle in the paint, highlighted by Chet Holmgren blocking an Anthony Davis putback attempt right at the halftime buzzer.
Offensively, players were working hard for their points. Cason Wallace hit a clutch three-pointer for the Thunder, assisted by Jaylin Williams. For the Mavericks, Max Christie knocked down a three, and Ryan Nembhard hit a deep, step-back jumper from 30 feet out. It was a testament to the skill on both sides, with players making tough shots under pressure.
Setting the Pace in the First Quarter
The game started with a jump ball won by the Mavericks, with Ryan Nembhard gaining possession. It didn't take long for the scoring to start. Nembhard hit a three just 22 seconds in, getting the Mavs on the board first. The Thunder's response came from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who hit a cutting layup. You just knew he was going to be a problem all night.
Both teams traded baskets early on. Max Christie had a steal and a running dunk for Dallas, which was a great hustle play. For OKC, Chet Holmgren got on the board with free throws and a jump shot, while Jaylin Williams connected on a deep three. It was a balanced attack, with multiple players getting involved from the get-go.
The quarter also saw its share of turnovers and fouls, which is pretty typical as teams feel each other out. A key moment was a Thunder timeout with about five minutes left, which seemed to settle them down. After that, Jalen Williams and Shai really started to find their rhythm. The first quarter set the tone for a fast-paced, physical game where every possession mattered.
Conclusion
When the final horn sounded, we were left with a game full of memorable moments and incredible efforts. The Thunder's ability to answer every run from the Mavericks was the story of the night, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge with his relentless scoring and playmaking. On the other side, Jaden Hardy showed he can be an explosive scorer, keeping Dallas in it with his long-range shooting.
Ultimately, this game was a fantastic showcase of skill, strategy, and resilience. From the highlight-reel dunks to the tactical timeouts, it was a complete basketball experience. The performances from key players and the coaching decisions made will give fans plenty to talk about until these two teams meet again.
