Mavericks vs. Thunder: Game 4 Pregame Primer

vs.

Dallas Mavericks (10-3, 3-2 road) vs. OKC Thunder (9-6, 6-2 home)

TV: ESPN (Cox 29, HD 720);
Stream: Click here (Also on ESPN3.com)
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 97.1 FM Tulsa)
Time: 8:00 CT

Series: Mavs lead 2-1

View from the enemy: The Two Man Game

Backs against the wall again. Kind of becoming a theme this postseason, isn’t it? Every other time thus far, when they had to, the Thunder responded. They bounced back. Remember, 26-6.And in a crucial Game 4 at home, Oklahoma City has to find a way to right the wrongs of Game 3. The best place to start? Shoot better. Just 1-17 from 3 and 36 percent from the floor isn’t going to get it done, especially against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Kevin Durant had missed his last 13 3-pointers. That says it all.

At this point the biggest adjustment for the Thunder is really just “play better.” We can talk about the starting five and rotations all we want, but they aren’t changing. The team that has won 64 games this year (including the playoffs) is the one Scott Brooks is going to ride. Yes, the Thunder are at a disadvantage because of that first five, but they can win with them. They’ve already proven that.

This could be the last time you’ll see the Thunder at home this year. This could be them starting the walk on the green mile. They’re entirely capable of handling business in this one, but they’ve got to make some shots. The defense in Game 3 was good enough. The offense wasn’t really that bad. The team just couldn’t make anything.

Here’s where you look at your leader to carry you. KD wasn’t good at all in Game 3. He knows it. And his team knows it. The last time KD was disappointed with himself was Game 6 in Memphis. He responded with 39 in Game 7. So there’s that.

Tip at 8:00 CT. Go Come On Thunder.

Time to play better. Time to win.