Flagg Powers Mavericks: Dallas Edges Thunder Despite Injury Plague

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-96 on Wednesday night, securing their first winning record since Cooper Flagg arrived last fall.

Flagg contributed 26 points and eight assists, while P.J. Washington added 18. The Mavericks built a 12-point lead in the first half that expanded to 27 points in the fourth quarter. This victory moved the team's record to 3-2, marking their first time over the .500 mark since Flagg joined the roster.

Kyrie Irving scored 15 points, 13 of which came in the first half. He made his first four shots, including three from beyond the arc. It was Irving's first home regular-season game since suffering a torn ACL in his left knee on March 3, 2025. He had sat out Dallas' home opener last week due to back-to-back fatigue.

Oklahoma City (4-1) played without four key players. Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace are out for extended periods due to a broken leg and torn labrum, respectively. Chet Holmgren missed the game with patellar tendinitis in his right knee, and Alex Caruso sat out with the same injury that sidelined him in Monday's win over Phoenix. Ajay Mitchell led the Thunder with 29 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21.

The Mavericks' offense was fueled by perimeter shooting. They made a season-best 16 three-pointers on 45 attempts, including 11 in the first half. The Thunder struggled from distance, hitting only 5 of 32 shots for a season-worst 15.6% clip. Center Daniel Gafford made the first three-pointer of his eight-year career on his 2,384th attempt.

It was the first home victory for first-year coach Dusty May. Both teams face the Houston Rockets next, with Dallas hosting on Friday and Oklahoma City traveling on Saturday.