While P.J. Washington took part in his usual Thunder dominance, Spencer Dinwiddie stepped up in a massive way again. Dinwiddie scored 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting. He was remarkable and efficient in the scoring category.

That decision forced the Thunder to stick close to the Mavericks' role players throughout the first quarter. Once Washington scored the first five points, Irving asserted himself and drained a 3-pointer before finishing at the basket with a finger roll to give the Mavericks an early 10-0 lead.

Kyrie Irving engaged in some spirited trash talk with Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe after Jaylin Williams was fouled by P.J. Washington.

Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving's status for the crucial game against the Oklahoma City Thunder remains uncertain due to an undisclosed injury. With several key players already sidelined, Irving's possible absence could significantly impact the team's performance.

Kyrie Irving addressed his injury concern following the Mavericks' big victory against the Thunder on Friday night.

Dallas improved to 23-19 while Oklahoma City remain top of the West with a 34-7 record. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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.

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.

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.

A deep field of All-Star contenders meant there were a bunch of players that felt snubbed by Thursday’s announcement of reserves.

Wembanyama becomes only the fourth Spurs player to make the All-Star Game in his first or second season. The others: Alvin Robertson in 1986, David Robinson in 1990 and 1991, and Tim Duncan in 1998.