OKC Thunder look to exact revenge as they return home to host the Dallas Mavericks

The OKC Thunder return home hoping to avenge yesterday’s 105-103 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

Despite a tough game by Russell Westbrook, the OKC Thunder were in prime position to walk out with the W against the Dallas Mavericks. Up six with less than two minutes remaining, Dallas went on a 10-2 run to effectively overrun OKC and steal the 105-103 victory.

While it’s disappointing to lose, its how they lost that hurts.

Oklahoma City inexplicably turned the ball over twice in crunch time and gave away eight free throws down the stretch to throw the game away. Paul George turned the ball over after bouncing the ball off DeAndre Jordan‘s foot then proceeded to foul on three consecutive Dallas possessions. PG had a shot to win the game but it effectively fell short.

However, the blame doesn’t rest solely with him.

Aside from Russell Westbrook’s 4-22 shooting night, he made one crucial defensive error that presented Dennis Smith Jr with a lane to drive the ball. Off PG13’s miss, the Mavericks got down the floor with ball finding his way to Smith at the top of the key. Westbrook failed to make the correct rotation, leaving Smith with an open lane to attack the hoop. Dennis Schroder tried to correct Wesbtrook’s mistake but it was too late and Smith converted what was the games winning bucket.

Lucky for OKC, Westbrook gets a chance to redeem himself. Let’s take a look at what OKC must do to turn the tables on Dallas at Chesapeake Arena.