This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

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 Dallas Mavericks got the upper hand on the Oklahoma City Thunder for the second time this season, though it was undermanned.

After losing the first meeting, the Thunder evened the score Thursday night in a 134-114 win over the Cavs, who suffered their worst loss of the season.

Cleveland Cavaliers fans have been treated to some fantastic basketball all season. This team has out-performed their preseason expectations and is now viewed as one of the favorites to win the NBA Finals.