Mavericks Secure Decisive Victory
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder 120-96 on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in front of 18,111 fans at American Airlines Center. The home team controlled the game from the opening tip, extending their lead in each quarter to secure their third win of the season. Cooper Flagg was the standout performer for Dallas, finishing with 26 points and 8 assists, while Daniel Gafford provided a strong presence on the glass with 11 rebounds.
Dominant First Half Performance
The Mavericks established an early advantage, leading 33-30 after the first quarter. They maintained their offensive rhythm in the second period, scoring 32 points to extend their halftime lead. By the end of the first half, Dallas held a 65-59 lead, having outscored Oklahoma City in both opening frames. Flagg contributed significantly to this surge, hitting three-pointers and driving to the basket, while Kyrie Irving also provided key scoring plays, including multiple three-pointers that helped keep the Thunder at bay.
Third Quarter Separation
The gap widened considerably in the third quarter as the Mavericks outscored the Thunder 29-22. Dallas pushed their lead to 94-81 entering the final period. Flagg continued his efficient offensive display, adding more points and dishing out assists to keep the Thunder’s defense off-balance. The home team’s balanced attack, featuring contributions from multiple players, made it difficult for Oklahoma City to mount a comeback. The Thunder’s offense stalled, and they failed to close the distance despite efforts from their backcourt.
Final Records and Standings
The Mavericks capped off their performance with a 26-15 fourth-quarter run, sealing the 120-96 victory. Ajay Mitchell led the Thunder with 29 points, and Isaiah Hartenstein grabbed 14 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome Dallas’s comprehensive lead. Jared McCain added 4 assists for the visitors. With this win, the Mavericks improve their record to 3-2, while the Thunder drop to 4-1. The game demonstrated Dallas’s ability to control the pace and exploit defensive lapses, resulting in a comfortable home victory.
Sources
ESPN
