Dirk Dominates as Dallas Mavs Finish Thunder in OT: Fan Reaction

The Dallas Mavericks turned it up several notches once the game went to overtime as they beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-105 in the Oklahoma City Arena May 23. Depending on how the game is interpreted, either the Dallas Mavericks made an amazing late comeback or the Oklahoma City Thunder choked away a 15 point lead.

The key, as always for the Dallas Mavs was the play of Dirk Nowitzki with 40 points but Jason Terry once again was the man off the bench. Terry scored 20 points and although he did not start, Terry logged 42 minutes. Jason Kidd was another key in the game as one of the leaders on the floor that did not let the Mavericks give up when they fell behind.

Kevin Durant was the best of the Thunder on the scoreboard but he did cost his team late. He was unable to get open for Russell Westbrook especially late in the game. The Mavericks kept Durant under wraps and he was unable to free himself down low. The knock has been on Westbrook for not fulfilling his duties as point guard but it was obvious late in this game that the Mavericks defense was the difference in this game.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will develop into a perennial NBA Playoffs team but they must learn from this defeat. Durant, Westbrook and Kendrick Perkins have the talent to be a force in the NBA Western Conference for years to come. The nucleus of the Thunder has shown they deserve to be in the playoffs but they are just one year away from graduating to the NBA Finals.

The Thunder and the Mavericks age and experience rose to the top in the final minutes of regulation in Game 4. The immature Thunder melted down and panicked as their lead slipped away and the veteran laden Dallas Mavericks calmly went about dismantling the Thunder late in the game and especially in overtime.

Dallas heads home to take on the Thunder in American Airlines Arena and this veteran team will not let the opportunity slip by them. Dallas has already lost once on their home floor in this series and they will not let this happen again. The Mavericks are favored by six points in the possible series ending game on May 25. The Thunder are spent after losing in Oklahoma City and this will be a 10 point or more blowout by the Mavericks.

Todd Jacobs is a native Southern Californian, long time Los Angeles Lakers and NBA Western Conference fan.

sources:

Yahoo Sports Dallas Mavericks page