2012 NBA Playoffs - (2) Thunder vs. (7) Mavs - (2-0 OKC)

[meekus13]

SPAM

[RvM]

BSPN's predictions:

[Phailadelphia]

Wright played almost all his minutes at center and he has really nice defensive numbers. If the Mavs play him the Thunder has to bench Perkins and Wright is able to defend Ibaka or Collison.

Uh, Wright cannot defend Ibaka.

is Ibaka Shawn Kemp on offense all of a sudden

No but he's much bigger and stronger. Once he bullies Wright into the paint, rising over him and getting buckets is going to be easy.

[sonictecture]

I thought the Mavs beat the Thunder last year due the Mavs ball movement creating high percentage baskets over the course of a game and the Thunders inability to execute in late game situations.

Coming into this series the deciding factor for me is the drop in the Mavericks offensive execution. I just don't think they'll have enough consistency in the series to pull out four victories.

If the Thunder beat the Mavs I think the series will prepare them better for the second round and beyond if they advance.

I'm going to say the Thunder return the favor to the Mavs and beat them in 5.

[Brooklyn_34]

Wright has been given inconsistent minutes all year. It may be a lack of comfort within the defensive schemes, or more likely that he can't replicate the size that Haywood and his less talented counterpart Mahinmi offer.

Wright is unique in that he is not a good man on man post defender (lacks strength), yet he is an outstanding shotblocker. He is extremely limited offensive player, but he can get putbacks and dunks (although he will get a good percentage of his attempts blocked).

Haywood is no doubt a better defender than Wright.
Mahinmi is definitely more talented offensively than Wright (from an Xs and Os standpoint, anyway). But Wright is way more of an impact player.

If we had a 250lb version of Wright, we'd definitely be cooking.

[ZB9]

No but he's much bigger and stronger. Once he bullies Wright into the paint, rising over him and getting buckets is going to be easy.

I take it that you havent seen Wright play for the Mavs this year

maybe you havent seen Ibaka play on offense this year...Ibaka is the better player but not because of his offense

[Th3RaptorSwag]

Dallas will put up a fight, but OKC is too good in the open court.

OKC Thunder in 6.

[BattleTested]

Mavs in 6. Setting up the Lakers to revenge sweep their asses in the second round. Pyaaaah.

[ChampionRed]

Mavs in 7. I think ultimately the Mavs will be the more consistent team and Dirk, Terry, and Kidd come up big in game 7.

[sefant77]

[Jaysonw23]

BSPN's predictions:

BSPN said the same thing last year. So until they are out of the PS, I'm taking mavs in 6.

[Dr Positivity]

G1 - OKC
G2 - DAL
G3 - OKC
G4 - DAL
G5 - OKC
G6 - DAL
G7 - OKC

OKC in 7

OKC is a flawed offensive team in the halfcourt because of the amount of players who can play off of, while Dallas halfcourt offense suits the playoffs. I have concerns about Dallas' offensive depth and defense, but never underestimate the heart of a champion. Both teams have major rebounding problems and don't have a lot of power around the rim. I expect Dallas to be like a cockroach that the Thunder just can't squish this entire series, but by G7 for OKC to have fresher legs and a big crowd behind them

[CrazyB0y]

Mavs in 7

[ronnymac2]

In last year's Western Conference Finals, the Mavericks beat the Thunder in five games because the lineup of Dirk Nowitzki, Tyson Chandler, Shawn Marion, Jason Kidd, and Jason Terry meshed as perfectly as a five-man unit realistically could. Chandler is out of the equation now, and his supposed replacement, Lamar Odom, isn't going to play for Dallas anymore. Chandler occupied Kendrick Perkins, Serge Ibaka, and Nick Collison last season, which allowed Dallas's perimeter threats to go off. Now, those bigs can help when Dirk or Jet drive.

The Maverick offense, normally a staple in the top 10, was ranked 22nd this year. Without an ultra-efficient offense, Dallas's defense, though supposedly improved from last season, will surrender too many fast-break points to the young Thunder. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden should be able to feast on Nowitzki's and Brendan Haywood's pick-n-roll defense.

Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder

http://nba-wired.blogspot.com/2012/04/western-conference-first-round-playoff.html

[anish23]

^^ thats bullcrap.. how on earth does Odom's game replace Chandlers?>..

anyways... Its great to see O-Dumb leave... the team have been playing like a cohesive unit ever since this cancer left... now we just need guys to step up.. We can win this series in 6 games.

[Ice Trae]

I really, really, really want the Mavs to win... I just don't see it happening tho.

[iamworthy]

For some reason I think this series will be closer than people think.

[Gotta_B_KD35]

OKC in 5 maybe 6. No upset in this series

[crucifixx]

Mavs in 6!

[ElectricMayhem]

How do you Choke KC fans feel about what Mavs about to do to your in 6 games?

You make Westbrick into a jump shooter and you have Mavs in 6.

Its great to see O-Dumb leave...

Ah, the essence of the General Board is strong in this thread.

Puns that broaden the bounds of expression aside, this should be a very intriguing series. Ex-champions don't usually die easily. Any team with the basketball knowledge of Nowitzki, Kidd, and Carrlisle won't go down easily. They also have a lockdown defender at the perfect position with Marion working on Durant. Still, I don't think it will be enough. OKC is too talented and athletic. OKC in 6, but also wouldn't be surprised to see Dallas win.