While Holmgren was unable to take the floor and impact the game with his two-way presence, Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still credited the big man for the crucial NBA Cup quarterfinal victory, telling reporters after the 118-104 win that Holmgren's mere presence made on impact on the team.

With their primary offensive engine sputtering, the Mavericks yielded far too much ground to the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had one of his best games of the season with 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting with eight rebounds, five assists and three steals, completely outplaying his superstar counterpart.

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 35 points, Jalen Williams exited late in the first half with a right eye injury and the Oklahoma City Thunder held off the Curry-less Golden State Warriors 105-101.

It's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the Oklahoma City Thunder against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup on Tuesday night at Paycom Center.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have eliminated the Dallas Mavericks from this season’s NBA Cup, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exploded for 39 points on 15-23 shooting while the backcourt of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for a measly 33 points.