Cooper Flagg inspires Mavericks to hand Thunder first defeat

The Dallas Mavericks delivered one of their most impressive performances of the young NBA season on Wednesday, October 28, defeating the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, 120–96 at the American Airlines Center.

Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 26 points and eight assists, helping the Mavericks hand Oklahoma City its first defeat of the 2026–27 regular season after four consecutive victories. Flagg also collected five rebounds and committed no turnovers in a composed all-round display.

The result improved Dallas to 3–2, giving the team a winning record for the first time since Flagg joined the franchise. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, fell to 4–1 after struggling to match the Mavericks’ shooting accuracy and intensity, particularly after halftime.

Flagg leads Dallas with scoring and playmaking

Flagg was central to Dallas’ success, contributing both as a scorer and as a creator for his teammates. His 26-point performance was complemented by eight assists, showing his growing influence in an offence that benefited from quick ball movement and effective spacing.

Rather than relying on one player to carry the scoring burden, Dallas spread the production across its lineup. P.J. Washington added 18 points and nine rebounds, while Kyrie Irving scored 15 points in his first regular-season home appearance since suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in March 2025.

Irving made an immediate impact, scoring 13 points in the first half and connecting on his first four shots. His return provided another experienced offensive option alongside Flagg and helped Dallas maintain pressure on the visitors.

The Mavericks’ collective contribution was reflected in the final statistics: eight Dallas players reached double figures, and the team recorded 30 assists on 46 made field goals. The performance suggested a growing understanding between the roster’s established players and its young talent.

Mavericks take control after halftime

The contest was competitive in the opening half. Dallas led 33–30 after the first quarter and carried a 65–59 advantage into the break, despite Oklahoma City remaining close enough to threaten a comeback.

The decisive stretch came early in the third quarter. After the Thunder reduced the deficit to four points, Dallas responded with a strong run that increased the margin and shifted the momentum firmly in the home team’s favour.

Flagg contributed to the surge through timely scoring and assists, while Dallas’ defence made it increasingly difficult for Oklahoma City to generate efficient possessions. The Mavericks outscored the Thunder 29–22 in the third quarter and extended their lead further in the final period, winning the fourth 26–15.

By the final minutes, Dallas had built a lead of as many as 27 points, turning a competitive matchup into a convincing victory.

Three-point shooting makes the difference

One of the biggest factors behind Dallas’ victory was its outstanding performance from beyond the arc. The Mavericks made 16 of 45 three-point attempts, while Oklahoma City converted just five of 32.

That 16–5 difference in three-pointers created a significant scoring gap and prevented the Thunder from building the offensive rhythm that had helped them win their opening four games. Dallas also limited Oklahoma City to 37 points in the second half, with the visitors shooting only 30 per cent from the field after the break.

Ajay Mitchell was Oklahoma City’s leading scorer with 29 points, while reigning NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 21. However, the Thunder lacked several important players because of injuries, including Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso.

Their absences reduced Oklahoma City’s available options, but Dallas still deserves credit for capitalising on the situation, defending with discipline and consistently finding open looks.

What the victory means for Dallas

The result provides an encouraging early-season sign for a Mavericks team looking to establish consistency. Flagg’s scoring, passing and ball security were particularly notable, while Irving’s return to the home court added another positive development.

Dallas also demonstrated that it can compete through balanced contributions rather than depending entirely on its leading scorer. Washington’s production, the team’s three-point shooting and its improved defensive effort all played important roles.

For Oklahoma City, the defeat ends an unbeaten opening stretch but does not erase the strong start to its title defence. The team will need to address its outside shooting and manage its injury absences as the schedule continues.

Both teams are due to face the Houston Rockets next, with Dallas scheduled to host Houston on Friday and Oklahoma City visiting the Rockets on Saturday.

For now, the spotlight belongs to Flagg and the Mavericks. Their 120–96 victory was a statement performance against the reigning champions and another promising chapter in the young forward’s developing NBA career.