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.

Alexander’s superstar sins were forgiven.  Just days after the Thunder guard was stunned by the Pelicans in Saturday’s second half, Gilgeous-Alexander's mistakes and mortality were washed away.

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.

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

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.

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

Several months ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder fell out of the playoffs after losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the second round. Finally, it got one back. The

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

What Chet Holmgren told his Thunder teammates before their NBA Cup quarter-final matchup against the Mavericks