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Flagg’s 26 Points Lead Mavs Past Thunder in Dominant Home Win

Cooper Flagg recorded 26 points and eight assists as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-96 at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.

Owen Iverson· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

October 29, 20262 min read

empty sunlit basketball court - illustration, Jake Team LLC
NBAFinal
Oklahoma City Thunder96
Dallas Mavericks120

October 28, 2026

A Decisive Victory at Home

The Dallas Mavericks secured a commanding 120-96 victory over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The win improved the Mavericks’ record to 3-2, while the Thunder fell to 4-1. The contest took place at American Airlines Center in Dallas before an attendance of 18,111 fans.

Early Momentum and Quarter Breakdown

Dallas established control early, taking the first quarter 33-30. The Mavericks extended their lead in the second period, outscoring Oklahoma City 32-29 to take a significant advantage into halftime. The third quarter saw Dallas maintain its offensive pressure, winning the frame 29-22 and further widening the gap.

The fourth quarter proved decisive as the Mavericks’ defense tightened, holding the Thunder to just 15 points while scoring 26 of their own. This final period sealed the blowout, allowing Dallas to cruise to a 24-point margin of victory without needing to push for additional offense.

Top Performers and Key Stats

Cooper Flagg was the standout performer for the Mavericks, contributing 26 points and leading the team with eight assists. His scoring output included multiple three-pointers and driving plays that kept the Thunder’s defense off balance throughout the night.

On the rebounding front, Daniel Gafford controlled the glass for Dallas, grabbing 11 rebounds. His presence in the paint was crucial in limiting second-chance opportunities for Oklahoma City.

For the Thunder, Ajay Mitchell led all scorers with 29 points. Jared McCain facilitated the offense with four assists, while Isaiah Hartenstein dominated the boards with a game-high 14 rebounds. Despite these individual efforts, the Thunder were unable to match Dallas’s consistent scoring output across all four quarters.

Final Thoughts

The Mavericks’ balanced attack and defensive intensity in the final period ensured a comfortable win against a tough opponent. The result highlights Dallas’s ability to execute on both ends of the floor when playing at home. The Thunder, despite strong individual performances from Mitchell and Hartenstein, struggled to maintain offensive consistency, particularly after halftime.

This game serves as an early-season benchmark for both teams. The Mavericks demonstrated their capacity to build and sustain leads, while the Thunder will need to address their fourth-quarter defensive lapses in upcoming contests.

Sources

ESPN

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Owen Iverson· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

Owen Iverson covers Dallas high school and area college sports.

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