OKC Thunder: 3 keys to evening series versus Mavericks
OKC Thunder key number 1: Don’t expect another low scoring game
Although the last match resulted in neither club breaking 90 points that aren’t typical for any club even the 30th ranked offense of the OKC Thunder.
The Mavericks were the top-rated offense last season but this year through 36 games rank 13th. It’s a bit of fool’s gold though…
First, the Mavericks suffered from players missing games due to health and safety protocols and injuries. Kristaps Porzingis missed the initial nine games and five games since he returned, so 14 in total. Likewise, Josh Richardson (9), Maxi Kleber (12), Dorian Finney-Smith (9), and Dwight Powell (12) all missed multiple games not allowing Rick Carlisle to get his primary lineups on the court.
As per John Schuhmann, the Mavs favored starting unit simply hasn’t been able to all be healthy simultaneously but when they are they resemble that offensive juggernaut of last season.
"The Mavs’ most-used lineup – Luka Doncic, Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber and Kristaps Porzingis – has scored 131.3 points per 100 possessions, the highest mark among 46 lineups that have played at least 100 minutes. But it ranks 23rd of 30 in total minutes played (121) among teams’ most-used lineups."
OKC Thunder key number 2: The future MVP of the NBA
Thunder Nation has marveled at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his rapid ascent augmented by the ease with which he plays. Likewise, Luka Doncic is also in his third season and already looking like a future MVP.
Looking back at that 2018 draft class it’s not like it was chock full of talents but the Mavericks and Thunder sure aren’t complaining. Both players are 22 years old and the respective cornerstone talents of their franchises.
Doncic has already ascended to the top five players in the league but SGA has the NBA elite sitting up and taking notice. Still, Shai and co. will have their hands full trying to stop Luka the Don.
In the last 12 games, Doncic appeared in 11 averaging 30.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and is shooting a blistering 43.8 percent from deep.