Star players always make headlines, especially when two MVP candidates face off in a best-of-seven series, but the Thunder-Mavericks series will likely be decided by both teams' benches. Individual.
It would be a tough slide to limit either Luka Doncic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in this series, but Kyrie Irving and Jaylen Williams are no slouches per se. Where does the next advantage come from? In the case of the OKC Thunder, it should come from the pine.
Not only is the Thunder's complement to their star more talented than the Mavs' Calvary, but it's also more true.
For the Mavericks bench players to make an impact on offense, they need the help of star gravity.
The more stationary bunch gets open catch-and-shoot corner looks and wants nothing more than to be spoon-fed into the bucket from the pick-and-roll.
The Thunder, on the other hand, not only have a similar advantage, an active cutter who pressures and bends the defense, but also a complementary creator who is better than the Mavericks in spurts of the game.
Everyone can predict that this series will fall primarily on the shoulders of the stars, but if players like Kason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins can make an offensive impact off the bench, the Thunder could You will be able to find an advantage.
It's no secret that Mark Dynaud will continue to be part of the rotation, and players like Gordon Hayward and Kenrich Williams will be released along with off-the-bench weapons as needed.
The Thunder could find a player to flip the game to four wins in the remaining five games. Whether it's Joe finding the back of the net, Wiggins cutting to the basket, or Wallace trying to spice up the offense, Oklahoma City has a better supporting cast.
Any game where the Mavericks backup dancers will be in the spotlight will be a game that Dallas wins. Oklahoma City should have a close battle in this one.
styles point
- It was officially reported that Mavericks big man Maxi Kleber has suffered a dislocated shoulder and is doubtful to return this postseason. The official timeline for Clever is “indefinitely,” but the Mavs' behavior surrounding the big man seems to have at least put this entire series on ice.
- The Thunder will need to rely on youth and off-ball movement to overcome the Mavericks, who played excellent defense against a stagnant Clippers offense.
- The winner of this Mavericks-Thunder series will advance to the Western Conference Finals and face either the Timberwolves or Nuggets for a spot in the NBA Finals. By the time the ball is thrown at Paycom Center on Tuesday, the other side of the bracket series will have passed Game 2. The Timberwolves currently hold a 1-0 series lead over the defending champions.
- Each team enjoyed a day off on Saturday and returned to practice courts on Sunday, two days before the series opener Tuesday night in Bricktown.
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