2024 NBA Playoffs: West Semifinals: #1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #5 Dallas Mavericks (DAL WINS 4-2)

[Patches Perry]

Actually what he said was was he assumed it's a foul cause they looked at it.

He admitted to having NOT seen it.

Don't you have some parlays to go make?

Edit*

Clicking on your profile to confirm you was a Mavs fan and the first thing I see is you claiming the 06 finals was rigged.

Got it. When it doesn't go your way it's rigged and when it goes go your way I have to shut up.

Enjoy the beating coming next round.

This dude lost some serious money betting on this game, lol. Someone give this guy the gambling help line number.

Gambling is for degens.

I won a pretty penny this series betting against my emotions and tonight was icing on the cake because I bet on Dallas down 16 at 3 to 1 odds.

It stings but a summer vacation and new refrigerator will prepare me for next season haha.

[Clav]

It'll be glossed over, but a #1 seed with the MVP runner up losing in the 2nd round is a disappointment. It probably would have been a gentlemanly sweep if Luka had been healthy.

Agreed.

Thunder fans probably feeling good because they’re young and had a great season, but Presti failed them. OKC was hanging around as a 2nd seed for nearly 2 months and tied for 1st seed the day before trade deadline, yet all he gets is a washed up Hayward.

Sure, OKC has great assets and youth on their side, but they just wasted a year of SGA. Pressure will be higher next year. Future success isn’t guaranteed.

OKC fans... yeah, we are. Our modest board traffic basically says the same thing. We had a chance to upgrade at a place of need and didn't it. Some OKC fans are more angry about Presti's decisions than others but it boils down to the same thing - we used our cap space this year on Kevin Porter Jr's waive after his off-court drama (15M) and a collection of Bertans (17M) and pieces (11M) traded to Charlotte resulted in a non-rotation playable Gordon Hayward. The only bright side is that there is clearer evidence of WHAT to address. At least this team isn't in final form.... yet.

[SweaterBae]

What’s crazy teams underestimate how much a players production is all about fit. DJJ hasn’t performed like this anywhere else. Teams keep falling for this we see it every year.

Eh, he played some important minutes and contributed to playoff wins, but he's the same dude he's always been. He averaged 8 and 4 for Miami 5 years ago. The improved 3 point shooting is nice, but right now it's way too subject to noise.

You looking at stat when there is a difference between having the same stats and actually having an impact on games. In Miami he barely played in the playoffs. Meaning they felt they had no use for him. On the Mavs he is literally starting and having an impact especially on defense. Point is like every year in the playoffs, other teams see this then overpay a player.

Like Gabe Vincent on Miami tricked the Lakers.

I agree it's about fit. I'm glad he's having success. He's a fun player to watch.

[Mk0]

This should end the debate about the last foul of the game, Shai admits it the refs admit it. Who do you think you are that you know more than the fouler and the refs? You're just a observer.

Read on Twitter

That is just because he has been conditioned by the illuminbati to give validity to what is obviously not a foul. He is just doing as he is told by Adam Silver so he doesn't get hosed by the refs next year.

[cdubbz]

Frustrating game to watch from the thunder perspective. Get some more physicality in the front line or GTFO, Sam.

I could see the Mavs winning it all but I could also see them losing in 5 games next round. Seem like a wide variance team.

Eh. I don't get the frustration. The Thunder could have definitely looked to get a big man this season and Richard Jefferson said it a few times during the broadcast. But guess what? The Thunder can still do that this off season!!! AND they're all still young. NO RUSH.

[Forbes]

Eh, he played some important minutes and contributed to playoff wins, but he's the same dude he's always been. He averaged 8 and 4 for Miami 5 years ago. The improved 3 point shooting is nice, but right now it's way too subject to noise.

You looking at stat when there is a difference between having the same stats and actually having an impact on games. In Miami he barely played in the playoffs. Meaning they felt they had no use for him. On the Mavs he is literally starting and having an impact especially on defense. Point is like every year in the playoffs, other teams see this then overpay a player.

Like Gabe Vincent on Miami tricked the Lakers.

I agree it's about fit. I'm glad he's having success. He's a fun player to watch.

I agree he’s the same player but that why I was talking about fit being underrated. There are a lot of players who never get to shine and get paid. This is his chance this offseason.

[MFT5]

They're preventing both Luka and Kyrie to drive by packing the paint, that's why you have 2 Mavs players mostly wide open on 3 and that's why Luka's stepback is crucial. I'm not trusting DJJ to hit 3s like in game 5.

yu predict nba players can’t hit wide open 3s on a steady diet of that same shot that they shoot en expect since the series started and have been making lol

please coach game 6 for the thunder

He was shooting 3:16 in first 4 games, so yes, I don't think it's a sure thing he's repeating game 5.

yu were saying ??

[ChipotleWest]

I don't know who's going to win the WCF it could be any of the 3 teams but I got any of them over Boston in the Finals. Hopefully Mavs. Lots of good basketball left.

the remaining teams are dangerous for their own unique reasons, but I think people are underrating the Celtics- they haven't played any true competition yet, but in some ways that is to their advantage. They should have a lot left in the tank mentally and physically. They also have more talent than people give them credit for- they have 3 top notch 2 way players and if KP can come back close to healthy, that should push them over the top

Celtics are 100% the most stacked team left. I think they get underrated because they just don’t have it mentally when the pressure is on.

And OKC was the #1 seed in a stacked West. Playoffs are a different animal. The only non-choker on Boston is Holiday but he alone can't make up for the rest. Porzingis? Don't make me laugh. Tatum and Brown will get their's but you don't think Luka and Kyrie will get their own? This is their 6th ECF coming up and they have zero rings. Mavs have shown heart that they've never shown.

Here's the thing though for someone just reading this post I'm not just predicting Mavs to go to the Finals though I am more worried about the WCF than the Finals.

[Mk0]

mid August signing Derrick Jones was huge for Dallas the last 3 games. 22 tonight on 8-13 FG 4-6 3PT 2-2 FT.

2 million. Dude will get paid this summer

It is why he is there. Billy was playing him at backup C and PF for the Bulls. Dude needed to get out of Chicago to showcase his skillset and good lord did he choose the right place to do so.

[Patches Perry]

Frustrating game to watch from the thunder perspective. Get some more physicality in the front line or GTFO, Sam.

I could see the Mavs winning it all but I could also see them losing in 5 games next round. Seem like a wide variance team.

Eh. I don't get the frustration. The Thunder could have definitely looked to get a big man this season and Richard Jefferson said it a few times during the broadcast. But guess what? The Thunder can still do that this off season!!! AND they're all still young. NO RUSH.

This is true. A team basically never wins the title in their first year making the playoffs. I honestly can't remember the last time it happened with a young team. Boston did in 2008 but had acquired 2 superstars in their prime with previous playoff experience.

Thunder needed a good playoff run and needed to get their heart broken. They needed to feel the sting. That feeling will be as important to their growth as the frontcourt piece they need to go out and acquire.

[ChipotleWest]

mid August signing Derrick Jones was huge for Dallas the last 3 games. 22 tonight on 8-13 FG 4-6 3PT 2-2 FT.

2 million. Dude will get paid this summer

It is why he is there. Billy was playing him at backup C and PF for the Bulls. Dude needed to get out of Chicago to showcase his skillset and good lord did he choose the right place to do so.

Yeah the thing is it's possible he priced himself out of Dallas if he wants a bigger pay day. Mavs can only pay him 5.6 million taxpayers MLE unless they can dump salary.

[kacey ring]

I’ve got one question: Spencer Dinwiddie, who is your daddy now?!?

Dinwiddie on signing with Lakers over Mavs: "The two situations kinda felt like this, right? Let's say you were a kid, and you got your ass whooped by the bully. Dallas would've been like your momma being like, 'It's OK, baby. Don't worry about it.' Lakers are like your dad: 'Nah, you better go out there and fight till you win.'

This win was for you too Kyle Kuzma!!

[The Corey's]

This dude lost some serious money betting on this game, lol. Someone give this guy the gambling help line number.

Gambling is for degens.

I won a pretty penny this series betting against my emotions and tonight was icing on the cake because I bet on Dallas down 16 at 3 to 1 odds.

It stings but a summer vacation and new refrigerator will prepare me for next season haha.

You're up today. House always wins though.

[Patches Perry]

Gambling is for degens.

I won a pretty penny this series betting against my emotions and tonight was icing on the cake because I bet on Dallas down 16 at 3 to 1 odds.

It stings but a summer vacation and new refrigerator will prepare me for next season haha.

You're up today. House always wins though.

The house will only beat me if OKC wins a championship, and I'm OK with that. If OKC is going to lose in the playoffs, I'm going to get paid for it.

[Forbes]

the remaining teams are dangerous for their own unique reasons, but I think people are underrating the Celtics- they haven't played any true competition yet, but in some ways that is to their advantage. They should have a lot left in the tank mentally and physically. They also have more talent than people give them credit for- they have 3 top notch 2 way players and if KP can come back close to healthy, that should push them over the top

Celtics are 100% the most stacked team left. I think they get underrated because they just don’t have it mentally when the pressure is on.

And OKC was the #1 seed in a stacked West. Playoffs are a different animal. The only non-choker on Boston is Holiday but he alone can't make up for the rest. Porzingis? Don't make me laugh. Tatum and Brown will get their's but you don't think Luka and Kyrie will get their own? This is their 6th ECF coming up and they have zero rings. Mavs have shown heart that they've never shown.

Here's the thing though for someone just reading this post I'm not just predicting Mavs to go to the Finals though I am more worried about the WCF than the Finals.

Boston would be our toughest matchup yet. It isn’t even about offense. Holiday, White, Tatum are all great defenders. Brown is above average. That is a major problem for us. They are still beatable but our role players absolutely have to show up.

Luka always goes off on the Celtics but they don’t lead to wins. I’m hoping we do get to the finals to find out how we do with our upgraded defense

[ChipotleWest]

Celtics are 100% the most stacked team left. I think they get underrated because they just don’t have it mentally when the pressure is on.

And OKC was the #1 seed in a stacked West. Playoffs are a different animal. The only non-choker on Boston is Holiday but he alone can't make up for the rest. Porzingis? Don't make me laugh. Tatum and Brown will get their's but you don't think Luka and Kyrie will get their own? This is their 6th ECF coming up and they have zero rings. Mavs have shown heart that they've never shown.

Here's the thing though for someone just reading this post I'm not just predicting Mavs to go to the Finals though I am more worried about the WCF than the Finals.

Boston would be our toughest matchup yet. It isn’t even about offense. Holiday, White, Tatum are all great defenders. Brown is above average. That is a major problem for us. They are still beatable but our role players absolutely have to show up.

Luka always goes off on the Celtics but they don’t lead to wins. I’m hoping we do get to the finals to find out how we do with our upgraded defense

Mavs are the best defense in the League since the trade deadline and they proved it against OKC.

I give Boston has a little more firepower on offense, but Mavs are better on defense. It would come down to Boston hitting 3s like OKC couldn't for most of the series. Mavs can pack the lane like no other team you're not going to get a layup line against them you're going to have to hit 3 pointers.

[Forbes]

I’ve got one question: Spencer Dinwiddie, who is your daddy now?!?

Dinwiddie on signing with Lakers over Mavs: "The two situations kinda felt like this, right? Let's say you were a kid, and you got your ass whooped by the bully. Dallas would've been like your momma being like, 'It's OK, baby. Don't worry about it.' Lakers are like your dad: 'Nah, you better go out there and fight till you win.'

This win was for you too Kyle Kuzma!!

Mannnnnn I was so pissed at Dinwiddie. Played well here then chose to go to the Lakers to be trash. Could have came back for the WCF. Horrible decision. We could definitely use him off the bench too. Shoulda listened to momma

[Forbes]

And OKC was the #1 seed in a stacked West. Playoffs are a different animal. The only non-choker on Boston is Holiday but he alone can't make up for the rest. Porzingis? Don't make me laugh. Tatum and Brown will get their's but you don't think Luka and Kyrie will get their own? This is their 6th ECF coming up and they have zero rings. Mavs have shown heart that they've never shown.

Here's the thing though for someone just reading this post I'm not just predicting Mavs to go to the Finals though I am more worried about the WCF than the Finals.

Boston would be our toughest matchup yet. It isn’t even about offense. Holiday, White, Tatum are all great defenders. Brown is above average. That is a major problem for us. They are still beatable but our role players absolutely have to show up.

Luka always goes off on the Celtics but they don’t lead to wins. I’m hoping we do get to the finals to find out how we do with our upgraded defense

Mavs are the best defense in the League since the trade deadline and they proved it against OKC.

I give Boston has a little more firepower on offense, but Mavs are better on defense. It would come down to Boston hitting 3s like OKC couldn't for most of the series. Mavs can pack the lane like no other team you're not going to get a layup line against them you're going to have to hit 3 pointers.

To be honest we are pretty much the same on offense. 3 pointers are a must. PJ and DJJ need to keep up the shooting. Would be great if the THJ that makes shots showed up.

[ChipotleWest]

Boston would be our toughest matchup yet. It isn’t even about offense. Holiday, White, Tatum are all great defenders. Brown is above average. That is a major problem for us. They are still beatable but our role players absolutely have to show up.

Luka always goes off on the Celtics but they don’t lead to wins. I’m hoping we do get to the finals to find out how we do with our upgraded defense

Mavs are the best defense in the League since the trade deadline and they proved it against OKC.

I give Boston has a little more firepower on offense, but Mavs are better on defense. It would come down to Boston hitting 3s like OKC couldn't for most of the series. Mavs can pack the lane like no other team you're not going to get a layup line against them you're going to have to hit 3 pointers.

To be honest we are pretty much the same on offense. 3 pointers are a must. PJ and DJJ need to keep up the shooting. Would be great if the THJ that makes shots showed up.

You're just overhyping Boston because they won 64 games. Phoenix also won 64 games and Luka beat them with a worse team. Boston has no one that can stop Mavs from getting in the lane. Luka and Kyrie would eat. Yeah Tatum and Brown are good defenders but they're not going to play football like Lu Dort and they don't have a shot blocker like Chet, that was huge for OKC and they still got beat.

Anyway I'll let you continue if you want the results will speak for themselves if we get there but first we have to get through another IMO harder series in either Denver or Minnesota so it may not even matter.

[Baseline81]

Eh. I don't get the frustration. The Thunder could have definitely looked to get a big man this season and Richard Jefferson said it a few times during the broadcast. But guess what? The Thunder can still do that this off season!!! AND they're all still young. NO RUSH.

More than likely you are correct, however, the future is not written in stone. SGA may suffer a season-ending injury at some point next year. You just never know...

All one has to do is look back at the OKC team of Durant, Harden and Westbrook. That core never made it back to the Finals.