Game 39 Preview: Oklahoma City @ Dallas
by Zorgon on Jan 15, 2010 7:25 PM CST
in Gameday
106 comments
This also counts as an open thread, so feel free to post your thoughts during the game here.
Time: 7:30 PM Central Standard Time
Place: The American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma, Fox Sports Southwest (The Same Station?)
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1)
Enemy Blog(s): Mavs Moneyball, That Two Man Game
Backstory: Ah, the Mavericks again. Not much has changed since last time we played them. They're still good. They're still winning games. And they're still better than us. However, one thing that has changed is fact fact that they have Eduardo Najera, former OU player. I doubt we see him in action tonight, but he's listed as the backup PF on the Yahoo! Depth Chart for the Mavericks, so I'm keeping hope alive!
Below: Matchups, Prediction
Matchups:
Center: Nenad Krstic vs. Erick Dampier
Last time, these guys pretty much equaled each other. Krstic is soft, and Dampier is old. Expect the same to happen again tonight, with Dampier having more boards.
Power Forward: Jeff Green vs. Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki is pretty much the only big man Jeff Green has done relatively well against, and I'd expect that trend to continue here. Big games from both guys.
Small Forward: Kevin Durant vs. Shawn Marion
Last time, Kevin Durant got completely shut down by Marion and Howard. This time, I'd expect KD to have a better game, and for Howard and MArion to have typical games.
Shooting Guard: Thabo Sefolosha vs. Jose Juan Barea
Last time, Sefolosha limited Barea, but didn't shut him down. Given Barea didn't play the whole game last time, I'd expect Barea to improve his offensive production.
Point Guard: Russell Westbrook vs. Jason Kidd
These guys had pretty similar games last time, with Westbrook scoring more, and Kidd assisting more.
Battle of the Benches:
The Mavericks have a far superior bench. And Rodrigue Beaubois still owns BJ Mullens.
Coaching and Intangibles:
Both teams are coming off of tough losses, with the Thunder's being to the Spurs, and the Mavericks' being to the Lakers. Both were two days ago. The Mavericks have the advantage though, since they're at home.
Bottom Line:
This is another tough game that I think the Thunder just can't win. They got killed in the 4th quarter the last time these two teams played, and the Mavericks have superior talent and depth at every level. Hey, I'm not saying a win is impossible, but I seriously doubt it. They have weapons everywhere, and we have absolutely no way of stopping Dirk. They, on the other hand, have been able to stop every player on our team.
Prediction: Dallas 97, Oklahoma City 89
Boo! I'm such a reverse-homer!
How do you think the game will go? Vote in the Poll!
And, again, feel free to drop any comments you might have during, before, or after the game below. I'll be in the Ford Center cheering the teams on, but I'll be back to write a recap later tonight. Go Thunder!
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Hey we beat Dallas last year, right?
So why can’t we beat them tonight?
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
Well....
A. It was a completely different team. KD and JG were out, so the Thunder were forced to rely on jumpshots rather than slashing to the basket.
B. Krstic, Weaver, and Sefolosha went absolutely insane.
C. Weaver and Sefolosha were often on the floor at the same time, making for a defensive nightmare, as Howard, Barea, Wright, and the like were completely shut down defensively.
D. None of those things are going to happen tonight.
E. This list only has 4 things, but lists always look better with 5 things.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
I'll give you the "completely different team" and take it one step further...
They were 23 – 59 team last year. I would say they are much better now.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
Good points about Thabo and Weaver.
Wasn’t that Westbrook triple double game?
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
Yes, it was.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
Najera is questionable for tonight!
I hope he plays!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
Dallas's only make was Green fault.
He should of been in front of his man.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
The important part isn't that the Mavericks have shot horribly
It’s the fact that Dallas is still very much in this game while being in a complete offensive draught.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
Russell Westbrook, Picking the pocket for the SLAM!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
KD
Doing a good job on the defensive boards with 5 defensive rebound and so far Dallas hasn’t gotten an offensive rebound. It seems like it’s been an Achilles heel for the Thunder so lets hope they can keep it up.
I'm a bit surprised by the first quarter
But I’m not giving up my prediction yet. Still, KD and Jeff green have done a great job of finding ways to score, and nobody, even Krstic, have hurt the team so far.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
Yeah, pleasant surprise
The only thing that really bugs me so far has been KD’s ball handling. I know they only show 1 turnover but he seems like he’s losing the handle and having more balls swatted out of bounds by the Mavs.
We’ve really gotta keep up the rebounding though.
Defense is looking good.
Our offense needs a shot in the arm.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
And here comes the Cavalry.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
Eugh
Please put Westbrook or Durant back in this is getting painful.
Also is that Barea tearing us up in the paint? Hahaha.
I would to see a small lineup with Barea playing.
I think the Maynor/Westbrook/Harden combo would work well.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
I like that.
I really liked how that was working against the Spurs in the last game.
Dallas defense is gobbling Durant up.
He should just settle for good screens or catching and shooting.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
Mavs announcers
Normally I hate when Leaguepass isn’t showing the Thunder broadcast but tonight I’ll actually say that the Mavs announcers are bearable and I’d almost say pleasant to listen to.
by belt on Jan 15, 2010 8:33 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
C'mon KD!
I’m really surprised that his TO total isn’t closer to 6 or 7 right now instead of 4.
Next season
If next season KD makes the same improvement in his ball handling skills that he did with his defense, he would be a basketball god (err, more than he already is)
That is exactly what I was thinking.
During the off season he needs to work on his ball security.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
Second quarter
We should all be thanking our lucky stars that we are still up by 7!!
Go Thunder!
Got a lil sloppy there. Is it me or does Ibaka go on streaks where he looks like he is outta control?
How do you mean?
Are you talking about the ball spike at the end of the quarter or his play?
His play. Not being in rhythm on jump shots, bad fouls etc. Could just be me? Wouldn’t be the first time I was wrong.
He did have an ugly jumpshot earlier.
Ibaka has played much better in previous games.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
You make a good point, I’m ashamed that I wasn’t really paying attention to him personally because he’s one of my favorite players.
I agree though, it seemed like he was late closing into the paint when they were attacking the basket, his rebounding was a little off. The one point that I did notice him though was when it seemed like he was playing excellent defense on Dirk on several possessions.
Halftime show
Is that guy drumming on 5 gallon buckets? Hahaha.
Solid first half
We did a good job of making sure the Mavericks didn’t finish strong, but nothing is decided until the fourth, methinks.
Also, I like how the studio people are readily admitting that they work in Dallas, by having the studio in the American Airlines Center. This is one of only two Thunder games they’ll get to actually see, LOL!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
That is why that grey haired guy was on the court at the begining of the game.
Funny.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
When Brian Davis shook Mitch Richmonds hand, Brians hand dissappeared within Mitch's.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
Hahaha, rebounding
I don’t know if I was being ridiculous earlier with my comments on rebounding or not. Dallas being the shooting team that they are has yielded such easy rebounds to OKC and specifically Durant that I really don’t know what to think about the stat.
I guess I should be glad that they don’t have anyone dominating offensive boards in the game.
Westbrook isn't rebouding so no trip dub tonight.
Unless KD gets one with points, rebounds, and TO’s.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
It's so weird to see Brooks in an NBA Uniform.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
Request
Can anyone give me 3rd quarter stats on the Thunder or a link where to find them?
I’m talking win stats with the lead, and point differential during the 3rd quarter.
My goodness....
Brutal 3rd quarter for the Thunder.
Not much to say about it, it was damned ugly.
I'm starting to believe
We’re keeping up with the Mavericks so far….
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
James Harden doesn't have to go to camp....
because he brings the camp right to YOU!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
I'm glad Brooks listened to me about using the guards.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
Just found this on ESPN...
Kevin Durant is averaging 28.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Pretty, pretty good. Still, the former one-and-done Texas Longhorn is not a lock to make the Western Conference All-Star team.
Listed at 6-foot-9, but really 6-10, Durant plays pretty much any position on the floor, but for All-Star purposes he’s considered a forward. We know he won’t be a starter. Those two spots will go to Carmelo Anthony and then either Dirk Nowitzki or Tim Duncan. Pau Gasol is currently fourth in fan voting with Durant in fifth. With only 12 players on the team and a crowded guard position, Durant could be excluded.
“That’s one thing I try not to think about. That’s the last thing I’m trying to think about,” Durant said. “A lot of people talk to me about it, but I try my hardest to shy away from it because that takes away from my team. I just try to come in each day and get better for my teammates. If I become an All-Star then that’s a blessing, but right now I’m just tyring to get better each game.”
Each conference’s All-Star reserves are picked by their respective coaches. Coaches cannot pick their own players, so Thunder coach Scott Brooks won’t be able to help out his superstar who has made Oklahoma City one of the most improved teams in the league. The Thunder entered Friday’s game against the Mavs with a 21-17 record. The West’s other 14 coaches will decide if Durant, 21, is granted All-Star status.
Mavs coach Rick Carlisle, who will coach the West if the Mavs hold onto second place in the West (Lakers coach Phil Jackson coached the team last year and therefore is inelgible this year) has high praise for Durant.
“It would be surprising to me if he’s not an All-Star,” Carlisle said.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
Uh-oh, things, according to Grant Long,
are getting a little “scrambly” right now!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
Kevin
We really need you to step up your O right now KD.
Krstic
Coming in. I can’t really believe that this is anything but a huge mistake.
I want to see more Nenad jumpers!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
I'm ready for these last two minutes
I LOVE this type of basketball.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
KD's ballhandling
KD’s ballhandling has pretty much become the issue in this game. 8 turnovers, numerous balls swiped out of bounds.
Awesome!
Awesome rip move from KD! Hit ’em all baby.
MWahahahaah!
The evil Remington Park graphic was kept in check tonight!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
Well, if nothing else
He provides a bit of a on-the-court perspective. His analysis is obvious, but he knows how it is from the players perspective.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
Oh, definitely, for sure.
I’m just saying he has limited value. As far as analysts go, he’s pretty low.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
A rare miss from KD
and then a clutch shot from Dirk. Argh!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
KD
8 turnovers. You’re not going to win games like that buddy.
Awesome move by KD.
Contrary to popular belief, this game is still very winnable.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
Hrrm....
OKC’s performance in clutch situations this season would disagree with you there.
Possible, not probable. :-D
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
I want to see that Westbrook foul!!!
If we loose because of that…
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
I'd say give the ball to Durant this time.
He’s been hot from the Arc all night. Harden is also a possibility, if the Thunder want to do something unexpected.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
At least it was a good game.
I still want to see that Westbrook foul.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
Yeah
These narrow margin losses to high profile teams are absolutely killing me.
Good point
I really love to see OKC competing with pretty much everybody.
Word! Same to you!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
What a crock of crap. Dallas and their silly Freethrows. I was seeing a comeback like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkAZeLmcfdY
But alas, the Thunder aren’t Maverick killers, like the Warriors used to be.
Good game, great to have 2 solid games back to back.
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
This pic you used for this post look like deja vu.
Can I blame you Z? :)
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
And what was Cuban saying to KD?
Luring him there in Free Agency, perhaps?
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
Over 100 Comments!
Awesome!
Tony.psd = Da Man
Manger of Welcome to Loud City
#1 Warriors, Thunder, and Adonal Foyle Fan
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Northwest Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Denver
|
53 | 29 | .646 | 0 | Lost 1 |
|
Utah
|
53 | 29 | .646 | 0 | Lost 4 |
|
Oklahoma City
|
50 | 32 | .609 | 3 | Lost 2 |
|
Portland
|
50 | 32 | .609 | 3 | Lost 2 |
|
Minnesota
|
15 | 67 | .182 | 38 | Lost 7 |
(updated 9.2.2010 at 4:09 PM CDT)
Thunder Schedule
Last 5 Games
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Fri 04/30 | L 94 - 95 |
|
@
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Tue 04/27 | L 87 - 111 |
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Sat 04/24 | W 110 - 89 |
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Thu 04/22 | W 101 - 96 |
|
@
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Tue 04/20 | L 92 - 95 |
Loud City - Bring The Thunder (Rafter Banner)
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