NBA Playoffs: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks Game 5 preview
The first round series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks hasn't been the most wholesome for NBA fans, as both teams have shown how serious they are in getting this over with, to a point that even the less likely to make plays which are beyond basketball are now making them.
The Mavericks traveled back home after Game 2 with a lot of momentum on their side after stealing one in OKC, but two devastating losses in their home floor in Dallas has now put them on the brink of another early exit. Right now, the series goes back to Oklahoma and all the Thunder needs to do is win to wrap it all up.
Thunder superstar Kevin Durant uncharacteristically delivered a shot to the head of Mavericks rookie Justin Anderson in the dying seconds of Game 4, forcing the game officials to call a Flagrant Foul 2, ejecting him. But as series gets more and more heated, it's time for Rick Carlisle's boys to hit the panic button to avoid elimination.
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Durant hasn't been in this series in a way that he's supposed to. Good thing for him, Westbrook has been a monster, while the Thunder front court has been doing its job, too. It is quite likely that OKC finally ends this one tonight because Durant will finally have his breakout game in the playoffs.
It's not something that is long overdue; it is more of a pressing need to find his touch on the floor should he want to contend with the best in the West in the next rounds. If he continues playing a sub-par game and let Westbrook take over, the team will never have a chance against the likes of the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors.
So if Durant sees himself playing for the NBA Finals once again, he should take over Game 5 and get rid of the Mavericks for good.
Game Details
- Date: Monday, Apr.25
- Time: 8:00 PM EST
- Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena
- TV Coverage: TNT
