Mavericks vs. Thunder Playoff Preview

Aron Jacobowitz — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:43:28 +0000

It’s finally here: The NBA playoffs are set to tip off on Saturday with the Mavericks visiting the second seeded Thunder in a rematch of last seasons’ Western Conference Finals. The game tips off at 9:30 EST on ESPN, so be sure to tune in for what promises to be a spectacular series.

The Mavericks defensive prowess is no longer with the departure of their defensive anchor, Tyson Chandler, in the offseason. However, Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry still remain, and they have enough offensive firepower to hang with anyone. In the four regular season meetings, the Thunder won three, however, those wins were by an average of a mere 5 points. Both of these teams are very familiar with each other and rest assured Oklahoma City will be looking to exact revenge for last seasons hotly contested series loss in five games.

May 17, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) defends against Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter of game one of the western conference finals of the 2011 NBA playoffs at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Thunder 121-112. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

Kevin Durant, fresh off his third scoring title in his young career, will lead the charge for the Thunder as Russell Westbrook may need some sideline point guard coaching from 5-time champion Derek Fisher. Without the unheralded backup point guard, Eric Maynor this season, the Thunder will find it tough to control the pace late in games due to inexperienced decision making floor leader Westbrook. Too often they are stymied by defense and settle for a contested three point shot from Russell at the top of the key. If Dallas can force this to occur more often than not, they will put themselves in a very good position to surprise everyone and take the series.

Game one will set the tone for the series and the Mavericks want to get off on the right foot by stealing home court advantage from under the Thunder’s nose.

Will Jason Kidd’s experience at the point overwhelm Westbrook? Will we see the superstar MVP of the finals from a year prior in Dirk this series? Will Vince Carter contribute off the bench? This has the makings of an exciting, fast paced series – and one the Thunder are already fearing.

Prediction: Thunder in 6.

Mavericks Potential Playoff Matchups

Aron Jacobowitz — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:23:34 +0000

The Dallas Mavericks have a chance to move up to the sixth seed or remain in the seventh. They currently sit in the seven seed, only 1/2 a game behind the Denver Nuggets. If they were to move up to the sixth seed, they would face a Los Angeles Lakers team who has swept the season series, 4-0. However, if they were to remain in the seven seed, they would face an Oklahoma City Thunder team they defeated last season in the Western Conference Finals, 4-1. However, they have gone a meager 1-3 this season against the Thunder. They have to feel they have a better chance at knocking off Oklahoma City than the Lakers, though. Two of the losses vs. OKC this season were decided by four and two points. The Mavericks couldn’t defeat a Lakers team sans Kobe Bryant. In order for the Mavs to have a legitimate chance at defending their title, they need to remain in the seven seed in order to face the Thunder.

Apr 10, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (right) and guard Jason Kidd (2) on the bench in the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Center. The Mavs beat the Kings 110-100. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs frontline matchup much better with the Thunder and they also have terrific guard play along with a bevy of experience in Jason Terry, Vince Carter and Jason Kidd. In a series with the Lakers, the Mavericks most certainly would not hold the experience edge nor the championship pedigree nor the talent. Jason Kidd has been to the Finals three times, finally winning last season and you’d have to think having him in the playoffs will tremendously swing things in the Mavericks favor, especially against an inexperienced Russell Westbrook, who is a turnover machine playing outside of his position at the point. The Thunder are also missing their backup point guard for the remainder of the season, Eric Maynor, who provided such a calming presence to the Thunder last season, especially in the playoffs. If any top seeded team appears most vulnerable headed to the postseason, it has to be the Thunder. The Mavericks have a chance to shock the NBA world and advance if they remain in the seven seed.

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Mavericks vs. Thunder Playoff Preview

Mavericks Potential Playoff Matchups