OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks: SHOCKING Player Stats Reveal the REAL Winner!

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has always been a thrilling competition, with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks giving their all to claim the championship title. In the 2022-2023 season, both teams have been on a roll, showcasing incredible skills and perseverance. However, amidst all the excitement, there's one thing that has left many basketball enthusiasts wondering - which team has the upper hand? The answer lies in the numbers, and it's not what you might expect.

In the midst of the heated rivalry, it's easy to get caught up in the hype and overlook the little things that can make all the difference. However, a closer look at the player stats reveals some shocking trends that might just change the narrative of the game. From dominant performances to surprising underachievers, the data speaks for itself. In this article, we'll dive into the numbers and uncover the real winner of the OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks showdown.

The Thunder's Dominance: A Closer Look at the Numbers

When it comes to the Oklahoma City Thunder, one player stands out above the rest - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The young point guard has been on fire, leading the team with an average of 27.5 points per game, 8.5 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per contest. But what's truly remarkable is his impressive shooting percentage, boasting a three-point field goal percentage of 43.1%.

Here are some key statistics that highlight Gilgeous-Alexander's dominance:

• 27.5 points per game: The top scorer in the league, Gilgeous-Alexander has been unstoppable, with a remarkable ability to score from anywhere on the court.
• 8.5 assists per game: The young point guard's exceptional passing skills have made him a favorite among his teammates and opponents alike.
• 6.2 rebounds per game: Gilgeous-Alexander's all-around skills have made him a force to be reckoned with, with the ability to grab rebounds and create scoring opportunities.

The Mavericks' Struggle: What Went Wrong?

On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks have struggled to find consistency this season. Despite having some talented players, the team's overall performance has been lackluster. One player who has been particularly disappointing is Luka Doncic. The Slovenian superstar has averaged just 22.5 points per game, 7.8 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per contest, which is a far cry from his expected numbers.

Here are some key statistics that highlight Doncic's struggles:

• 22.5 points per game: Doncic's scoring average has been lower than expected, with a surprising decline in his three-point shooting percentage to 38.5%.
• 7.8 assists per game: The point guard's passing skills have been inconsistent, leading to a decline in the team's overall scoring efficiency.
• 6.5 rebounds per game: Doncic's rebounding numbers have been below par, with a surprising lack of effort on the glass.

The Impact of Coaching Changes

One major factor that has contributed to the Mavericks' struggles is the change in coaching. The team hired a new head coach, J.B. Bickerstaff, in the off-season, who has been unable to replicate the success of his predecessor, Jason Kidd. The new coaching staff has struggled to implement a cohesive game plan, leading to a decline in the team's overall performance.

The Thunder's Momentum: Can They Maintain It?

The Oklahoma City Thunder, on the other hand, have been on a roll, with a 12-game winning streak that has left many wondering if they can sustain their momentum. The team's success can be attributed to their impressive defensive performance, which has seen them shut down opponents' top scorers and limit their scoring opportunities.

Here are some key statistics that highlight the Thunder's momentum:

• Defensive efficiency: The Thunder have been one of the top defensive teams in the league, boasting a Defensive Efficiency Rating (DER) of 105.2.
• Opponent scoring average: The Thunder have limited opponents' scoring average to just 108.5 points per game, which is a testament to their stifling defense.
• Team morale: The Thunder's winning streak has been boosted by a high team morale, with players looking to build on their momentum and make a deep playoff run.

The Real Winner: A Closer Look at the Advanced Statistics

When it comes to advanced statistics, there's a lot to consider when evaluating the OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks showdown. One metric that stands out is the team's True Shooting Percentage (TS%), which takes into account both field goal percentage and three-point shooting percentage.

Here are some key statistics that highlight the advanced numbers:

• True Shooting Percentage: The Thunder have boasted a True Shooting Percentage of 58.5%, while the Mavericks have struggled with a True Shooting Percentage of 55.2%.
• Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%): The Thunder have averaged an eFG% of 53.1%, while the Mavericks have struggled with an eFG% of 51.9%.
• Player Efficiency Rating (PER): Gilgeous-Alexander has led the league with a PER of 26.5, while Doncic has struggled with a PER of 20.1.

The Importance of Starting Lineups

Another advanced statistic that's worth considering is the starting lineup. The Thunder's starting lineup has been one of the most impressive in the league, with a starting five that boasts a combined PER of 24.5.

Here are some key statistics that highlight the importance of starting lineups:

• Starting five PER: The Thunder's starting five has averaged a PER of 24.