The only thing separating the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks is a river, a straightaway from I-35, and deep-rooted history. It's also everything that stands in the way of the next great NBA rivalry to emerge in the Southwest.
Oakie and Texan hatred is a story as old as time and a song as old as rhyme. These two (and overly) proud neighbors bicker like an old couple who supposedly despise each other but won't sign divorce papers.
There's another layer to this sleeping giant rivalry that awakens and is ready to explode as the cowboys begin to compete to see who grows the best crops.
It's a hate-filled incident that has reached beyond the United States, where superstars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic are vying for the Most Valuable Player award with Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.
No matter who you support in that race, your opinions are strong, vocal, and personal. It's a perfect storm for rivals.
One of the only drawbacks of the modern NBA is the lack of hate, but that's all about to change in one second-round series.
The Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder will spark the next great NBA rivalry. All the ingredients for a high-profile playoff series are in place to make this matchup one of the NBA's hottest games: star power, expected longevity, geography, and potential upsets.
How much emotion will be involved in the Doncic vs. Gilgeous-Alexander situation, as the Red River rivalry is entrenched and a return to the Western Conference Finals and a chance at the NBA Championship are at stake with four wins? no doubt.
There is no better pastime for either party than to disrespect a neighboring state, and despite being born almost a minute earlier than conjoined twins, their home is the proverbial big brother to anyone who will listen. I swear it is.
The only thing that stopped the Red River Rival from making a comeback in the hardwood forest so far was timing. Many Oklahomans started out as Mavericks fans before the Thunder even landed in Bricktown, but the two teams never worked together the way they do now.
Previously, when the Thunder and Mavericks battled in the postseason, the novelty of professional sports was still shining brightly among Oklahoma City fans, but the highly likable Dirk Nowitzki quickly aged into the background. It disappeared.
Now, each rising star is waiting to burst onto the scene at the same time and officially take over the league. Unlike Nowitzki, Doncic has the ability to hurt opposing fans with his antics that incite animosity.
That emotion is sure to spill onto the court as fans cram up and down the highways for this series and wage virtual wars on social media around the world for the stars.
This has all the makings of a bloody clash and could be the NBA's second round headliner.
styles point
- The NBA has announced the full seven-game schedule for the OKC Thunder in the second round vs. the Dallas Mavericks.
- Mark Daigneault said during Friday's practice that the timing of his pairing with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was no coincidence.
- Jaylen Williams praised Chet Holmgren's defense this week, which will need to be a big contributor in Game 2 against the deadly Mavericks.
- Maxi Kleber injured his shoulder in Game 6 against the Dallas Mavericks, and he clearly wasn't feeling well. Even though he didn't stay at the Holiday Inn Express last night, Kleber is expected to miss a significant amount of time in the series as he plays the Doctor. That would be a huge blow to Jason Kidd's rotation.
Song of the day: red river valley bWoody Guthrie.
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