Thunder vs Mavericks: Pregame Primer

vs.

Thunder (37-29, 14-20 road) vs. Mavs (42-25, 22-11 home)

TV: FS Oklahoma
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 1300 AM The Buzz Tulsa)
Time: 7:30 CT

Offensive Rating: Thunder – 106.6 (12th), Mavericks – 109.9 (5th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 103.9 (11th), Mavericks – 105.8 (15th)

It’s like a movie. Full of ups and downs. There’s the introduction of characters, quickly followed by the introduction of conflict (KD and Russ’s injuries). Next comes the rising action and in this case, the grind of playing with superstars in and out of the lineup. In many movies when it looks like the resolution has arrived the plot takes another twist into more conflict (see Whiplash, Rookie of the Year, Remember the Titans ect…).

The Thunder not only knew what their resolution was (Durant’s return) they knew when it was happening… it was time stamped and it was going to resolve the ups and downs of this 2014-15 Drama of the Year nominee. And then… bam — more conflict — this time in the form of a swollen right knee for Serge Ibaka that is expected to require surgery. So where does this movie climax and what does it look like? Will there be eventual resolution, or just falling action that ends in the disappointment of missing the playoffs? 16 games left before we get the answer, and tonight the Thunder visit the Mavericks. Oh boy.

3 Big Things

1. Who guards Dirk?

Defensively Nikola Mirotic was a problem. Pretty blown away by this rookie’s game — dude is so polished. Brooks matched Gasol and Mirotic with Adams and Kanter to close the game giving the Bulls an advantage with the versatility of Mirotic. Every P/R put Kanter in a more jeopardizing position. It wasn’t until Adams fouled out that the light bulb lit up for Brooks. He put Roberson in the game to guard Mirotic and they started switching that P/R leading to Westbrook’s steal and layup that swung the contest. Without Ibaka, Roberson (or even Perry Jones) was a great call here. Long, athletic defender that can crowd Mirotic and keep him on the perimeter.

Obviously all of this is negated with Durant is healthy.

With that said, the Thunder play another skilled 7-footer with range tonight in Dirk Nowitzki and will have the same type of challenges to overcome with the Mavericks’ movement both near and away from the ball — throw on top of that Dirk is a much more effective post-up player than Mirotic. If the game is close late you’re going to see Monta and Dirk run high P/R and Dirk’s man will have major responsibility on denying an initial Monta drive and getting back to Nowitzki.

Options: McGary – Collison – Adams – PJIII

2. Westbrook

The Thunder got revenge on the Chicago Bulls last night behind a vicious second-half performance from Russell Westbrook. The Bulls had no answer down the stretch for Westbrook who finished with 36 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

Westbrook started just 1-8 in the first quarter but finished 11 for his next 19.

“My job is to keep attacking, Westbrook said. “We know we have to come out and compete, acme out and get a win. And we have to go get another one in Dallas.”

Westbrook recorded his fifth game with at least 35 points 10 rebounds and five assists — one fewer than the rest of the league combined. The Thunder come in 1-3 in their last four games against Dallas, but won the previous matchup on Feb. 19 with Westbrook scoring 34 points with 10 assists and five boards. He torched Rondo that night on both ends and is averaging 28 points in his last five games in Dallas.

3. Rebounding

On Feb. 19 the Thunder out-rebounded the Mavs 62-39 behind Serge Ibaka’s first ever 20-20 game. He pulled down 22 boards and Andre Roberson pulled down 12 including six on the offensive end.

If you recall, that was hours after the Thunder’s trades so Kanter wasn’t available. Tonight he’ll be relied on to keep the Mavs off the glass along with Steven Adams who missed that game due to injury. The Thunder have their work cut out for them without a doubt, but if they can control the boards and the tempo of this game then it’s certainly a game they can get.

Sunday’s COTN: “Anthony Morrow is shooting 52% from the 3 point line on 4.6 attempts in his last 10 games.” @Marko

American Sniper II

Tip at 7:30 CT. Go #BruiseBrothers.