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.

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.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 points on Tuesday to lead the Thunder past the Mavericks 118-104, advancing to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas.

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

Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder's star, credits his wife, Hailey Summers, for keeping him grounded and focused. Summers' honest feedback helps SGA maintain his aggressive playing style. SGA embraces his leadership role on the young team,

In every sense, the Canadian superstar outplayed Luka Doncic -- another player in the MVP conversation. It was a statement game from Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting en route to the victory. He added eight rebounds, five assists and three steals in the big win.

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

You know how Kevin Durant makes putting the ball in the basket feel like breathing? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is of that ilk.