NBA TV will replay the OKC Thunder versus Dallas Mavericks Game 4 from the 2011 Western Conference Finals tonight at 8:00 p.m EST.
With fans hankering for live-action sports, NBA TV has kept us entertained with some of the more exciting games in recent history. Tonight the network will replay Game 4 between the OKC Thunder and Dallas Mavericks from the 2011 Western Conference Finals.
The Thunder lost the game and the series to Dallas. Meanwhile, Dirk Nowitzki and his Mavericks went on to win the title defeating LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Miami in the first season of the Heatles.
This was the only time in Mavericks history they won the championship. Although the Thunder lost the Western Conference Finals 1-4 the series served as a teaching moment for the OKC youngsters.
Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden witnessed first hand what it took to close out a series and move onto the finals for a shot at the Larry O’B. Clearly the Thunder youngsters were quick studies as they made it to the final round the following season also facing the Miami Heat. Unfortunately, the Thunder lost and LeBron won his first title. The following season Harden was gone to Houston seemingly knocking over the first domino in the demise of the first era of the Thunder.
OKC Thunder highlights from Game 4 of WCF:
As for the game 4 playing tonight there are several moments to watch for in the match. ey highlights to watch for:
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Westbrook was his usual amped-up self coming close to delivering a triple-double with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. He also grabbed three steals with one leading to a break way for a dunk.
Kevin Durant led the Thunder in scoring with 29 points and grabbed an impressive 15 boards. He took a hard shot from Brandon Hayward in a game that bordered on chippy.
Serge Ibaka had a strong game with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds as well as five huge blocks.
Watch for Nick Collison who delivered his typical steady effort off the bench scoring 12 points along with 7 rebounds, 3 assists a steal and a block
Harden didn’t have his typical game with his youth showing.
Dirk Nowitzki was huge in this match scoring 40 points and leading his Mavs in critical moments.
The two biggest moments in the game might when Shawn Marion blocks Durant’s last shot in regulation and Kidd pump faking Westbrook to nail the triple in overtime. Even though this group lost in 2011 you could sense their time was coming.
For many OKC Thunder fans this 2019-20 season was the first time in many years that kind of excitement was back. Although there have been better squads in the past few campaigns the pressure to win and iso-ball offense made the team less exciting to watch.
It’s crazy that all four of the youngsters who formed that core are gone now. Crazier still, three of them became regular-season MVP winners, two went on to win titles, and two of them back together again.
Thunder Nation will always have the memories of past seasons to pull from and one day it’s likely a few of their jerseys will hang in the Peake.
Enjoy the throw-back game and let us know your favorite moment from that series.