2016 NBA playoffs preview: Thunder vs. Mavericks
For months the Thunder have had to hear that despite their talent, they weren't one of the top-two teams in the Western Conference. Their campaign to prove otherwise begins Saturday vs. the Mavericks.
(3) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks
Thunder wins series 4-1
Game 1 – Thunder 108, Mavericks 70
Game 2 – Mavericks 85, Thunder 84
Game 3 – Thunder 131, Mavericks 102
Game 4 – Thunder 119, Mavericks 108
Game 5 – Thunder 118, Mavericks 104
Season series: Thunder won 4-0
Thunder starting lineup: G Russell Westbrook (23.5 ppg, 10.4 apg); G Andre Roberson (4.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg); F Kevin Durant (28.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg); F Serge Ibaka (12.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg); C Steven Adams (8.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg). Mavericks starting lineup: G Deron Williams (14.1 ppg, 5.8 apg); G Wesley Matthews (12.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg); F Chandler Parsons (13.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg); F Dirk Nowitzki (18.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg); C Zaza Pachulia (8.6 ppg, 9.4 rpg)
Thunder win if: they can stay consistent and close out games. This season has been frustrating for the Thunder faithful, who have been their team fold in late-game situations countless times. That being said, Westbrook and Durant provide matchup nightmares for Rick Carlisle and the Mavericks. Deron Williams has lost a step on the defensive end, and nobody in Dallas’ front court or back court can match Durant’s length and versatility. Durant torched Dallas in three meetings this season, averaging 25.7 points and making 51.9% of his shots from the field. Westbrook stuffed the statbook in four games, averaging 17.8 points, 9.8 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 steals.
Mavericks win if: they can somehow contain Oklahoma City’s scoring. The Mavs average 102.4 points a game, which is great, except the Thunder average just over 110 (second in the NBA behind Golden State). You can’t stop the Thunder’s offense, only contain it, or keep up with it. To keep up, they’ll need Nowitzki’s usually scoring and more, including major contributions from Matthews and Parsons, both of whom are averaging at least two points less per-game than in previous years.
Need to know: This is the third time Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Durant have met in the playoffs, with Dallas and Oklahoma City splitting the previous two meetings in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Sam Amick's pick: Thunder in 5; Jeff Zillgitt's pick: Thunder in 5