The NBA Playoffs return to Oklahoma City on Tuesday night, with a highly anticipated matchup between the Thunder (57-25), boasting the league’s best record, and the Dallas Mavericks (50-32). The atmosphere inside Paycom Center should be just as electric, if not more so, as it was for the first round. However, the opponent is also more dangerous.
This series carries some extra weight – the Thunder took the season series against the Mavericks 3-1, with the most recent victory a resounding 49-point drubbing. However, the playoffs are a different breed, and Dallas, led by the ever-dangerous Luka Doncic, is determined to prove they can compete with the league’s elite. Can the Thunder maintain their regular-season dominance over the Mavericks, or will Dallas pull off an upset and steal home-court advantage? Here are five key storylines to watch for in Tuesday night’s Game 1:
- Can OKC Maintain Regular Season Dominance? The Thunder nearly swept the season series against Dallas 3-1, with the last win coming by a convincing 49-point margin. Oklahoma City will look to replicate that success and establish their early series lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging over 30 points per game, will be obviously be crucial in their offensive strategy.
- The Luka Doncic Conundrum: Luka Doncic remains the Mavericks’ offensive engine, averaging a near triple-double this season. However, his scoring dipped significantly in the final regular-season meeting against the Thunder. Can Doncic find his rhythm and lead the Dallas offense against a stifling OKC defense?
- The Battle in the Paint: The Thunder excel at scoring in the paint, led by Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. Dallas, on the other hand, boasts a strong perimeter shooting team. Whichever team controls the paint and limits their opponent’s strengths will gain a significant edge.
- Three-Point Shooting Spree or Defensive Lockdown? Both teams possess potent three-point threats. Oklahoma City leads the league in three-pointers made, while Dallas boasts a higher shooting percentage. Will this game turn into a three-point shootout, or will the defenses prevail in limiting these attempts?
- Healthy Mavericks a Question Mark: Dallas enters the playoffs with key role players like Maxi Kleber and Tim Hardaway Jr on the injury report. Can the Mavericks overcome these absences and compete at full strength against the well-rested Thunder?
With the Thunder hungry to extend their dominance and the Mavericks desperate to prove themselves, this promises to be an exciting opening game in the Western Conference second round.
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