4 Struggling Mavericks who must step up to take down the Thunder

Tonight, the Dallas Mavericks take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals after losing disappointingly on Monday night.

Dallas had every opportunity to take down the Thunder in Game 4, but missed free throws and the struggles of some of their key players plagued them in this loss.

This game could define the series depending on who wins Game 5, and it seems like the momentum shifted in favor of the Thunder.

4 Struggling Mavericks who must step up to take down the Thunder

While the Mavs still have a great shot of taking down the Thunder, it's not going to be easy. Several Mavericks players have to play better for Dallas to win this series, and they could have this series in the palm of their hands if they win Game 5.

Everyone knows that the winner of Game 5 in a tied 2-2 series typically wins, and Dallas will have their work cut out for them playing in Oklahoma City.

Here are four Dallas Mavericks players who must play better for them to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in this series.

4. Josh Green

Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green could be the difference-maker in this series due to his infectious energy and shot-making ability, but he hasn't gotten much of a chance since Games 1 and 2.

Green scored 11 points in both Game 1 and 2, and he played a combined 40 minutes in those two games. He was flying around the court, knocking down timely shots, and giving his all on both ends. Everyone knows that Green is always going to bring energy and shooting, but his output has declined over the last two games.

In Games 3 and 34, Green has scored a combined six points on 2-7 shooting. Green knocked down a three in both of these games, but his inefficiency has been glaring.

His minutes have gone way down in these two games as he only played just over 28 minutes combined in these two games, but he has to be a little better. Minutes are extremely tight in the playoffs, and Green has to make a bit of a bigger impact in his minutes.

The Mavs will need Green to make his open looks, and Game 5 could be telling for what his role looks like for the rest of the series.