Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder posterized rookie Cooper Flagg with a powerful slam dunk during an NBA game on October 27, 2025, as the Thunder secured a 101-94 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The dunk highlighted a dominant performance by Holmgren and underscored the Thunder’s perfect start to the season, while Flagg struggled with an early shoulder injury.
The game, held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, saw the Thunder improve to 4-0, maintaining their position as defending NBA champions. Holmgren’s dunk occurred in the third quarter when he received a pass on the wing, used a shot fake to drive past PJ Washington, and soared over Flagg for a vicious slam, described as a ‘welcome-to-the-NBA moment’ for the rookie. Holmgren finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks, contributing significantly to Oklahoma City’s paint dominance, where they outscored Dallas 68-36.
Cooper Flagg had a challenging night, scoring just two points on 1-of-9 shooting after sustaining a contact injury to his left shoulder on the game’s first possession. He was seen holding his shoulder multiple times in the first half and used a heat wrap during breaks, eventually being benched in crunch time. This marked his lowest scoring game of the young season, raising concerns about his adjustment to the NBA’s physicality.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 23 points, though he was below his season average of 40.0 points per game. Isaiah Hartenstein played a crucial role off the bench, scoring 16 points and securing 12 rebounds, including key baskets in the final minutes to stifle a Mavericks rally. Anthony Davis paced Dallas with 26 points and 11 rebounds, but the Mavericks fell to 1-3, struggling without center Dereck Lively II, who was sidelined with a knee contusion.
The Thunder built a commanding 93-74 lead before Dallas mounted a 13-0 run, narrowing the gap to one point with 54 seconds left after a D’Angelo Russell jumper. However, Hartenstein responded with a layup, and Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren sealed the win with free throws in the closing seconds. Oklahoma City’s defense and rebounding advantage, outrebounding Dallas 55-36, proved decisive in containing the Mavericks’ late surge.
This game emphasized the Thunder’s depth and resilience early in the season, with Holmgren’s athleticism and defensive presence standing out. For the Mavericks, Flagg’s injury and limited impact highlight the challenges of integrating a top rookie into a competitive lineup. The team’s ‘jumbo’ forecourt was downsized due to injuries, affecting their interior defense and contributing to the loss.
Looking ahead, the Thunder host the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, aiming to extend their unbeaten streak. The Mavericks conclude their five-game homestand—the first such season-opening stretch in the NBA since the 1983-84 Kansas City Kings—against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Both teams will monitor player health, particularly Flagg’s shoulder, as they navigate the early season schedule.