Mavericks Pull Away Late, Down Thunder 97-87

Dallas outscored Oklahoma City down the stretch to secure a 97-87 road win. The 10-point margin reflected a Mavericks team that controlled the second half despite missing several key contributors.

The decisive moment

Dallas seized control in the second half, turning a competitive game into a comfortable 10-point win over Oklahoma City. The Mavericks' ability to pull away down the stretch proved to be the difference in a game that stayed within reach for OKC through the early stages.

By the numbers

Final score: Mavericks 97, Thunder 87
Margin of victory: 10 points
Dallas played without Kyrie Irving (knee), Caleb Martin (heel), and Dereck Lively II (foot) — all listed day-to-day

Despite the absences, Dallas still found enough offense to close out the win, a sign of the roster's depth even in a shorthanded outing.

What it means

For Dallas, the win comes with several rotation pieces sidelined, underscoring the team's ability to grind out a result even without a full complement of players. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, will look to clean up the execution that allowed the Mavericks to separate in the second half.

What to watch next

With Irving, Martin, and Lively II all considered day-to-day, their statuses will be worth monitoring ahead of Dallas' next outing. Oklahoma City will look to bounce back and tighten up the areas that let this one slip away.