USA: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles as Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) defends during the second half in game six of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center.

Even without important pieces like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Dereck Lively II, both teams' role players simmered the beef between the ball clubs. The usually well-mannered Thunder were hit with multiple technical fouls. PJ Washington continued to poke the bear.

The Thunder is now tied with the Cavaliers for the best record in the NBA. Dallas (22-19) suffered a 119-116 road loss to New Orleans on Wednesday. The Mavericks will be without star guard Luka Doncic (left calf strain).

The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking on the Dallas Mavericks on the second night of a back-to-back. The Thunder are 7-0 on the second legs of back-to-back stret

The Thunder are currently 16-4 on the road with a point differential of +13, while the Mavericks have a 5-5 record in their last ten games at home.

Kyrie Irving scored 25 points, Spencer Dinwiddie and P.J. Washington Jr. added 16 apiece and the Dallas Mavericks beat Oklahoma City 106-98 as Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed his first game of the season.

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is sitting out Friday's game against the Dallas Mavericks due to a sore right wrist.