Dallas Mavericks 100, Oklahoma City Thunder 87: 2011-2012 Game 6 Quick Recap; Tasting Defeat

Full recap coming later today or tomorrow.

Yahoo! Sports Box Score:

It was a depressing outing for the Thunder, as they got manhandled by a team that was clearly struggling this season. But a few key matchup problems swung in the Mavericks failure, allowing them to overcome their initial dysfunction.

Oklahoma City's major problem was a lack of rebounds. Perkins, Ibaka, and Collison were all in foul trouble, forcing the Thunder to play small in the second. This allowed the Mavericks a few more opportunities, and didn't give the Thunder the steals they needed.

OKC was also without Sefolosha for much of the game, who had flu-like symptoms and re-injured his ankle. With him out of the game, the Mavs ran amok in the paint, with Carter and Terry getting whatever they wanted. With the Thunder so afraid of the backdoor cut, they didn't really have anybody to defend the center of the paint.

By the third, the Thunder were struggling offensively as well. Aside from the rare transition play, the offense was almost completely reliant on Durant and Westbrook. There was little to no distribution, and the Mavs defense caught on quickly. By the beginning of the fourth, it was all over, and the Thunder were playing mostly reserves.

Thunder Wonder: Kevin Durant, 27 Points

Thunder Down Under: Russell Westbrook, 18 Points, 8 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 3 Steals

Thunder Blunder: Lazar Hayward, Offensive 0fer, Defensive liability

Thunder Plunderer: Dirk Nowitzki, 26 Points, 6 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 2 Steals