OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks, 2019-20 team preview
Duos have taken the NBA by storm and the Mavericks Euro version may be the most intriguing. Dallas was a tough matchup for the OKC Thunder last year but with a unicorn added to the mix, this season might be even more challenging.
Despite a lottery bound campaign, the Dallas Mavericks were in the news as much as the top contenders of 2018-19. Although Dirk Nowitzki took the complete opposite route of Dwyane Wade‘s jersey swapping farewell tour his muted swan song was no less compelling. Granted, Adam Silver tipped the hat via the special All-Star inclusion. Still, there was something sentimental and compelling about watching Dirk lumber up the court and occasionally pull out his patented step-back shot.
For those who missed out, YouTube can provide the playback of the super classy career hat tips from Doc Rivers, the Spurs fans and organization (no doubt orchestrated by Gregg Popovich). And the emotional final farewell in the American Airlines Center with Dirk’s favorite old school stars on hand to thank the German for his contributions to the Association and his uniqueness both in terms of his game and personality. It was fittingly very Dirk-like – unique, honest and heartfelt.
Fans typically have a home team and celebrate the superstars, but I’m not sure there has ever been a player as universally beloved as Dirk Nowitzki. On this one occasion, I wish Charles Barkley was wrong about ‘father time’. The gentle giant’s child-like smile, impossibly fluid one-legged step back and genuine humble nature left an indelible impression that will never be forgotten.
The other compelling must watch factor that drew us to Dallas was the 19-year old cherubic genius Luka Doncic. The wunderkid surpassed the heady expectations of his supporters and defied all his critics playing with intelligence and skill well beyond his years.
This year he’ll partner with a unicorn and regardless of where the Mavericks finish the season his presence alone means the future in Dallas is extremely bright!
The Basics:
2018-19 Record: 33-49
Lottery Seed: 10th seed (conveyed to Hawks for the Luka Doncic – Trae Young draft-night trade of 2018)
Head Coach: Rick Carlisle begins his 12th season as the Mavericks bench boss.
Points per game: 21st (108.9) | Opponent points per game: 13th (110.1)
Pace: 20th (99.0) | Offensive Rating: 20th (109.4) | Defensive Rating:18th (110.7)
Vegas Odds:
Win-Loss: 40.5 games
Odds to NBA Title: +10,000
Odds courtesy of The Action Network.
Last season the Thunder took only one of the four meetings with Dallas who seemingly had OKC’s number. Let’s review the changes the Mavericks made this offseason with a view of what to expect when the team’s tipoff versus each other in the 2019-20 season.