Flagg’s 26 Points Lead Mavs Past Thunder 120-96 in Dallas

A Dominant Home Performance

The Dallas Mavericks secured a decisive 120-96 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The win improves the Mavericks' record to 3-2, while the Thunder fall to 4-1 on the season.

Before a crowd of 18,111 fans, Dallas controlled the contest from start to finish, leveraging superior scoring efficiency and balanced offensive production to overcome an early challenge.

Early Back-and-Forth Action

The game began with intense competitiveness, as both teams traded baskets in the opening period. The Mavericks took a narrow 33-30 lead into halftime, fueled by efficient shooting and timely contributions from their starting lineup. Cooper Flagg emerged as the primary offensive catalyst for Dallas, finishing with a team-high 26 points along with eight assists.

His ability to drive to the basket and distribute to teammates kept the Thunder defense off balance throughout the first half.

Oklahoma City countered with strong performances of their own. Ajay Mitchell led all scorers with 29 points for the visitors, showcasing his scoring versatility. Jared McCain contributed four assists, helping orchestrate the Thunder’s offense, while Isaiah Hartenstein dominated the glass with 14 rebounds. Despite these efforts, the Thunder struggled to maintain consistency as the game progressed.

The Turning Point

The third quarter marked a significant shift in momentum. Dallas extended their lead through sustained offensive pressure, pushing the margin well into double digits. Cooper Flagg continued his impactful play, adding crucial points and facilitating the attack. The Mavericks’ defense tightened, limiting Oklahoma City’s scoring opportunities and forcing difficult shots.

By the start of the fourth quarter, the outcome was largely in doubt. Dallas maintained its composure, outscoring the Thunder 26-15 in the final period to seal the victory. Daniel Gafford provided a critical presence on the boards for Dallas, grabbing 11 rebounds to help control the pace and limit second-chance opportunities for Oklahoma City.

Final Standings Context

The Mavericks’ comprehensive win highlights their growing cohesion at home. With the score finalized at 120-96, Dallas improves its record to 3-2, positioning itself firmly in the playoff conversation. The Thunder, despite individual efforts from Mitchell and Hartenstein, drop to 4-1 but face mounting pressure to find consistency against elite opponents.

The game underscored the Mavericks’ ability to execute on a larger stage, setting a positive tone for their upcoming schedule.

Sources

ESPN