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Thunder Fall to Mavericks in Preseason Clash
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The Oklahoma City Thunder faced the Dallas Mavericks in a preseason matchup on Friday, October 6, 2023, resulting in a 122-107 victory for Dallas. The game, played in Dallas, provided a first look at both teams’ lineups and strategies as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
Luka Dončić led the Mavericks with a dominant performance,scoring 26 points and dishing out 11 assists. Kyrie Irving added 19 points, while Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 17. For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-alexander paced the offence with 24 points. jalen Williams added 16 points and Chet Holmgren scored 14.
Key Game statistics
| Statistic | Oklahoma City Thunder | Dallas Mavericks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 107 | 122 | |
| shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points | 24 | luka Dončić Points | 26 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 45 | |
| Assists | 27 | 32 | |
| Turnovers | 15 | 12 |
The Mavericks established control early, leading by as many as 20 points in the second quarter. oklahoma City struggled with turnovers and defensive consistency throughout the game. We just need to clean up some of those careless mistakes,
said Thunder coach Mark daigneault after the game, according to WRUF reporting.
Did You Know?
Chet Holmgren was making his preseason debut for the Thunder after missing the entire 2022-2023 season due to injury.
Game Timeline
- Q1: Mavericks lead 32-26
- Halftime: Mavericks lead 62-42
- Q3: Thunder attempt a comeback, but Mavericks maintain a double-digit lead.
- Final: Mavericks win 122-107
The Thunder’s focus now shifts to refining their rotations and building chemistry as they continue their preseason schedule. the Mavericks, meanwhile, appear to be solidifying their core as they aim for a strong showing in the Western Conference. It’s good to get these reps in and see what works,
Dončić stated post-game.
Pro Tip: Preseason games are valuable opportunities to assess player progress and experiment with different lineups - don’t overreact to single-game results!
ESPN – Preseason games allow teams to experiment with lineups and strategies before the regular season begins.
this game offered a glimpse into the potential of both teams, but the true test will come when the regular season begins. The Thunder will look to build on this experience, while the Mavericks aim to translate their preseason success into a competitive edge.
What are your predictions for the Thunder this season? Do you think the Mavericks are legitimate contenders in the west? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
NBA preseason Context
NBA preseason games serve as crucial planning for the 82-game regular season. teams use this time to evaluate new players, experiment with different strategies, and build team chemistry. While the results of preseason games are not indicative of regular-season success, they provide valuable insights into each team’s potential. The preseason typically runs from early October to mid-October, allowing teams ample time to prepare before the regular season tips off in late October.
