Western Conference Finals: Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder

That's presuming Dirk continues where he left off on his FMVP calibre performances he had in his last two playoff series. I don't think Dallas' hot shooting is going to keep up. I mean, com'on, they were raining crazy 3's game after game.

If OKC just let Dirk get his and limit everyone else, they'll have a great chance to win. I'm not saying Ibaka, etc, will make Dirk scoreless or whatever, but I know Dirk can't go for mammoth scoring nights against them like he did against Gasol.

 

Come on, by "neutralizing", I don't mean holding him scoreless. Ibaka/Collison won't allow Dirk to go off like he did against the Lakers, which is basically the reason they won against the Lakers.

 

totally agree, the only thing against them is they're young.

 

Althought it goes against every fiber in my body and heart..

Mavs win in 5....Just too much firepower

 

sorry Dirk will go off.....and theres nothing Ibaka/Collison can do about it........
Zach doesnt flop, Dirk does!!!

 

I think the major difference going into this series is the Mavs are a jelled group that are well established in their roles, and Carlisle has them playing very reliable defense.

The Thunder spent half of round 2 trying to figure themselves out on offense and defense. Their best case scenario is that they found the formula in Game 7 and will move forward with it.

I think the most important player is going to be Westbrook. The Mavs don't have a good answer for him, but it's critical that he find the perfect balance between abusing mismatches and distributing.

The next most important matchup is going to be Perkins - if Chandler doesn't have to respect him, the Mavs will shut the paint down.

 

i'm going to say something that may be blasphemous on this site but here goes

james harden looked like mario elie, a real glue guy. i thought all the guy could do was shoot, but he showed good d, good distribution and he helped put the game away just as much as durant and westbrook

who does dallas have to match up with him?

 

Who's gonna stop Dirk?

 

Marion, Stevenson, Kidd a lil, maybe Terry....The last two can guard him because most games he's not aggressive enough to exploit the matchup.....

 

yeah, he needs to be more consistent, like terry. off the bench terry is his equivalent, but with his size and athleticism he should win that match up if he shows up

 

to his credit...Its hard to exploit the matchup when his opportunities are limited...You would think him being a 6th man will enable him to lead the 2nd unit...But it seems Maynor shoots more than him when he's in there...

 

Harden has more game than Elie but he doesn't have the nasty dog attitude (at least yet). I think the best defender would be Kidd. Terry doesn't play good defense and can be beaten on isos and PnRs. I question if Stevenson or Marion are quick enough to stay with him.

javal_lon, after watching the Grizzlies series, I don't see why you would question whether Hardin would exploit matchups and say his opportunities are limited. This isn't the regular season. I'd say his 14/5/4 in 30+ mins against the Grizzlies proves that. And if Hardin gets his 3-point shot going, the Mavs will have big problems. Many people who follow the Thunder have criticized Scott Brooks for not calling Hardin's number more often late in games. There were times where he's taken over games but won't get a shot in the last 5 minutes. I think those days are over. To your other comment: Normally Hardin dominates the shot attempts with the 2nd unit and I expect that to continue.

I expect Hardin to struggle in game 1 and improve from there. He always seems to struggle in new circumstances.

 

I'm rooting for the Thunder, but it's hard to pick against a team who just completely routed the 2 time defending champs. They're on a role, but maybe this week off cooled them down. Until I see game 1 and what the tone of the series might be I am going to have to say Mavs in 6 even though it kills me.

 

As much as I'd like the Thunder to win, I don't think they will...

Mavs in 6...

 

Problem is Ibaka tries to block EVERYTHING he will fall for most ball

fakes especially from dirk and be in foul trouble through most of the

series. Dirk will have his way its up to the rest of the shooters to take

care of business

 

Dallas in 5.......unfortunately

 

I picked the Thunder to win it all when the post season started, so I'm sticking with my pick. I voted for Thunder in 6. However, I can also see the Mavs winning in 5 for some reason

 

If you think Hardin will consistently put up those numbers , you're kiddin yourself...As I've said its not his ability...

Honestly lookin at game 7 , Half of his shots he took were with the shotclock nearing zero...Thats not gettin opportunities, thats terrible offense which means he gotta do something before the clock expires.......When he's out there with the 1st team , he's not even an option most of the time....

He consistently puts up 6-12(closer to 6) shots a game, whereas he needs to put up close to 15 if he's the scoring 6th man , the Thunder envision him to be for now...We all know he'll be starting next year

 

Dallas will get by OKC in 6 games, but break Cuban's heart by losing on the big stage of the NBA Finals once again this time to da Bulls.:grin:

I hate the Mavs, but glad to see Dirk get a shot at redemption. To bad he will be over matched once again in the Finals by a stacked Bulls team.

 

OKC in 5.

Dallas are overrated.