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Dallas Mavericks Look To Continue Winning, Host OKC Thunder

By Emmanuel Dixon

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - NOVEMBER 12: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks goes to the basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 12, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - NOVEMBER 12: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks goes to the basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 12, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks will close out an eventful week by hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder in an early season rematch. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET.

Nearing the end of November, the Dallas Mavericks (4-15) find themselves playing with something new — momentum. After struggling out the gate early this season, they have turned things around recently. Tonight, the Mavs will attempt to start their first winning streak of the season, as they welcome the Oklahoma City Thunder (8-10).

OKC defeated Dallas 112-99 in their first matchup which was less than two weeks ago. Both teams have gone 2-3 since then.

For Dallas, a heartbreaking overtime loss to Boston Monday is the only reason they aren’t currently on a three-game win streak. Rebounding nicely, the Mavs defeated Memphis for a second time this season, thanks to a Harrison Barnes buzzer-beater. Although four wins on the season is disappointing, two of those came within a week of action.

Meanwhile, the Thunder earned an impressive victory over Golden State Wednesday which they followed with a lackluster loss to Detroit Friday night.

MEMPHIS, TN – NOVEMBER 22: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates after getting the game winning shot against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 22, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – NOVEMBER 22: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates after getting the game winning shot against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 22, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Evidently, both teams are still trying to find their identity in a young season.

In their previous meeting, OKC relied heavily on Russell Westbrook and Paul George. Carmelo Anthony and Steven Adams were unavailable, due to injuries. Dallas took advantage by winning the rebounding battle.

The Thunder, however, forced more turnovers. After all, George (2.8) and Westbrook (2.1) rank 1st and 3rd respectively in steals per game. Dallas has to emphasize ball security, if they plan on pulling an upset. Self-inflicted wounds must be kept to a minimum.

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The crowd at American Airlines Center in Dallas will be a huge factor tonight. OKC comes in with a 2-7 road record. Let them have it, MFFL. As always, go Mavs!

We here at The Smoking Cuban also worked with the experts at Thunderous Intentions to put together a preview of the game about some of the burning questions in the Dallas Mavericks organization. You can read that one here.

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