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.

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.

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

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.

The only commonality between the Oklahoma City Thunder's 118-104 NBA Cup quarterfinal win over the Dallas Mavericks and the rest of their regular-season schedule is they count the same towards the standings.

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