Oklahoma City knocked off the reigning Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks in NBA Cup action behind a 39-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

In every sense, the Canadian superstar outplayed Luka Doncic -- another player in the MVP conversation. It was a statement game from Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting en route to the victory. He added eight rebounds, five assists and three steals in the big win.

This is not the playoffs, nor is it revenge for last postseason when Dallas eliminated OKC, but it shows how the Thunder have grown.

Here's why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander credited Chet Holmgren, out with an injury, for the Thunder's win vs. the Mavericks.

Guards Lu Dort and Cason Wallace started alongside All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Thunder's NBA Cup quarter-final matchup against the Mavericks. Gilgeous-Alexander credited Wallace, who isn't an everyday starter, for adjusting for Tuesday night's elimination game.

In a battle of the two hottest teams and two of the biggest stars in the league, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stole the show with 39 points to lead the Thunder past the Mavericks 118-104 to advance to the NBA Cup semifinals.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks 118-104 on Tuesday night in an NBA Cup quarterfinal.

Over six months later, the rotten taste from the Oklahoma City Thunder's 2024 playoff exit still lingers on their tongue. While not exactly an eye for an eye, OKC's statement win over the Dallas Maverick to boot them out of the NBA Cup was a therapeutic experience.

Chet Holmgren made a sideline appearance during the OKC Thunder's 118-104 home win over Dallas on Tuesday in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.