OKC Thunder look to exact revenge as they return home to host the Dallas Mavericks
Keys to the game
Play through Steven Adams
While the majority of the focus surrounded Russ’ overall performance, one huge issue was the lack of touches Steven Adams received. The Big Kiwi took five shots in 38 minutes but only took two in the entire second half. One attempt was a 3-pointer as time expired thus Adams essentially took one shot in 18 second-half minutes.
Adams is averaging 16 points on 11.5 shot attempts per game, destroying bigs on the block via his deep bag of offensive tricks. Dallas center DeAndre Jordan is an exceptional rim protector but isn’t the strongest on-ball defender. Despite both bigs being listed at 265 pounds, Adams is broader and thicker in stature giving him a physical advantage on the block.
In order for OKC to be successful, they must set the tone inside. Getting Adams going early opens the floor for PG13 and Russ to attack the paint. Should Jordan get into foul trouble, Dallas simply doesn’t have the size to contain Adams down low and Dallas will be in for a long night.
Push the pace
When OKC push the pace, they are tough to beat as teams don’t have the athletes to keep up with the Thunder on the break. Oklahoma City possesses one of the leagues best defenses (2nd), forcing 10.5 steals per game (1st) and lead the league in turning defense to offense (1st in points off turnovers).
One of the Thunder’s biggest issues is their lack of pace when playing the Dallas Mavericks. The Thunder are 4th overall in pace (105.34) but drop considerably to 26th (98.75) when encountering the men from Texas. Oklahoma City began the fourth quarter of yesterday’s loss playing with speed, effectively turning an 11-point deficit to a two-point lead.
When the Thunder play with pace they are extremely hard to beat. This also offers Westbrook a chance to find his rhythm as the superstar is at his mercurial best when the game lives in the open court.
Dominate the paint and glass
Pound the paint
OKC ranks 3rd overall in points in the paint (53.7) but has yet to use its physicality to overpower Dallas inside. While the Mavericks are middle in the league allowing just 47.8 points inside (14th), they have done a terrific job limiting OKC in the post. Dallas has held OKC to an average of 41 points inside, 12.7 points fewer than Oklahoma City’s average.
In order for the Thunder to turn the tables, they must get inside and dominate down low. Russ must attack the paint and Adams needs to get to work on the block.
Win the battle of the boards
While Dallas has one of the best rebounding bigs in the NBA in DeAndre Jordan, Adams is one of the best offensive rebounding centers in the league. In order for OKC to win, they must dominate the boards and its starts with Adams domination down low.
The Thunder have one of the leagues best rebounding squads thanks in large to the activity of Westbrook, Paul George, and Nerlens Noel. OKC must get after the ball and dominate on the glass at both ends. If they successfully patrol the paint, the Thunder will walk out with the victory.