Thunderous Intentions
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Game day preview – OKC Thunder stay home to take on Mavericks

By Wil Harrington

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - NOVEMBER 12: OKC Thunder Guard Russell Westbrook (0) looking to make a play while Dallas Mavericks Guard Yogi Ferrell (11) plays defense during the Oklahoma City Thunder game versus the Dallas Mavericks on November 12, 2017, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena Oklahoma City, OK. (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - NOVEMBER 12: OKC Thunder Guard Russell Westbrook (0) looking to make a play while Dallas Mavericks Guard Yogi Ferrell (11) plays defense during the Oklahoma City Thunder game versus the Dallas Mavericks on November 12, 2017, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena Oklahoma City, OK. (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 26: Dirk Nowitzki
DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 26: Dirk Nowitzki /

If the OKC Thunder are going to get back on track with a home win, they need to take care of business against a Mavericks team that ESPN is only giving a 23.9 percent chance of winning. Oklahoma City is now 20-14, while Dallas is only 12-25. However, this is an opponent that the OKC Thunder can ill-afford to underestimate.

Make Mavs shooters take it to the paint

The Thunder must force the Mavs off of the three point line. Dallas shot a blistering 22 of 39 from beyond the arc in their last game, so they are on fire. Dennis Smith Jr., Wes Matthews, J.J. Barea, and (of course) Dirk could still be rolling from deep. The OKC Thunder have to apply pressure on the perimeter to force Dallas into tough shots.

Dennis the Menace

Dennis Smith Jr., the rookie point guard for Dallas, has been doing his best Russel Westbrook impression in his first season. Smith Jr. recorded his first career triple-double in Friday’s contest against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Dirk Nowitzki is still the main attraction for the Dallas Mavericks, but Dennis Smith Jr. must be the focus for the OKC Thunder. He can shoot and attack the rim, but he is still no Westbeast. Russell needs to attack the younger guard early and often to assert his dominance and make sure the rookie doesn’t get too comfortable in Chesapeake arena.

Not another Milwaukee 1st quarter… please

The final key for OKC is to start the game strong and keep their opponent in check. Against Milwaukee, Oklahoma City was down by as many a 22 points in the first quarter. They were able to stage a late comeback, but need to do themselves a favor and not dig a hole in the first place.

Assuming Paul George cannot go again in this one, it will be up to Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony to be aggressive early and build momentum for the bench to build on.

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