Thunderous Intentions
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Preview: Thunder travel to Dallas for series finale

By Jordan Buckamneer

Paul George OKC Thunder (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Paul George OKC Thunder (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – DECEMBER 31: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball during the game against the OKC Thunder on December 31, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – DECEMBER 31: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball during the game against the OKC Thunder on December 31, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Three Keys to Victory

1. Scoring off the bench

In terms of firepower off the bench, Monday’s win over Orlando was a breath of fresh air. With a league-worst 25.1 bench points, the Thunder have struggled to find scoring options in the second unit. However, OKC fans were treated to a pleasant surprise on Monday when four players (Raymond Felton, Alex Abrines, Patrick Patterson and Jerami Grant) all finished with double-digits in the scoring column.

Getting production off the bench like that down the home stretch of the season will continue to be critical if the OKC Thunder are going to make a deep run in the playoffs. Before that happens though, the points needs to come at a more consistent rate.

Distributing the scoring load would not only boost the team’s confidence, but it would also keep the OK3 as rested as possible.

2. Avoiding self-inflicted wounds

Dallas isn’t a contending team by any stretch of the imagination. But what you can’t knock the Mavs for is turning the ball over, as they lead the league in fewest turnovers allowed with 12.3 per game.

Although the Thunder have historically struggled with turnovers, it hasn’t been as bad lately. They are currently 12th in the league with the fewest turnovers allowed with 14 per game – it will be important to keep that trend going against a team that won’t return the favor.

The Mavs veteran-led lineup might not beat you in transition, but the standout 20-year-old Dennis Smith Jr. will have no problem picking up the pace if the opportunity is presented.

3. Capitalize on second-chance points

Now that we’ve looked at two ways Dallas could have the upper hand, here’s the good news. Oklahoma City is currently the top offensive-rebounding team in the league with 12.4 per game, while the Mavs are league worst at 7.7.

As of now, Nerlens Noel is listed as probable to return on Wednesday from his thumb injury, so he will likely be the first man off the bench to relieve the veteran Dirk Nowitzki. This should improve their rebounding numbers some, but Steven Adams and Jerami Grant should get plenty of put backs regardless. Add that with a couple of great rebounding guards in Westbrook and George, and the Thunder should get enough second-chance points to make up for a few turnovers.

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