The stars are back in alignment and everything’s right in the Thunders’ world. After a stunning upset in Game 2, Oklahoma City got back to doing what it does and the Mavericks were no match. And it doesn’t look good for Dallas the rest of the way now that the bad game is out of the Thunder’s system.
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TRAVEL/SCHEDULING/LETDOWN/LOOK AHEAD
Kevin Durant is one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA, so his 7 of 33 shooting performance in Game 2 was considered a bit of a fluke. It only stood to reason that he would not shoot so poorly again this series, if not for several years. Game 3 figured to go a lot better for KD and the Thunder. And it certainly did.
The Thunder took control early behind Durant’s shooting and weathered a couple of Mavericks runs to take a 10-point halftime lead. OKC didn’t let off the throttle in the second half, scoring 73 points in a commanding 131-102 blowout, sending a majority of fans home much earlier than anticipated. The result also reasserts that this matchup is very favorable for the West’s No. 3 seed.
INJURIES
Forward Kyle Singler was the only OKC reserve to not play on Thursday, getting the dreaded DNP-coaches decision next to his name in the boxscore. Mitch McGary and Nazr Mohammed were the team’s scratches.
Dallas guard J.J. Barea returned after missing Game 2 with a strained groin, trading places with Deron Williams. The Mavericks’ starting point guard, who is dealing with a sports hernia, didn’t play on Thursday after leaving in the third quarter of the previous game. Forward Dirk Nowitzki played despite a right knee bruise and scored 16 points in Game 3.
KEY MATCHUP
Durant’s poor shooting in Game 2 probably cost Russell Westbrook a shot at another triple-double. Instead, the OKC point guard had to settle for a double-double with 19 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. But Westbrook was far from good in the upset loss missing 14 shots of his own, combing with KD for a whopping 40 missed field goals.
While much of the attention Thursday was focused on Durant and how he bounced back from his horrendous Game 2 performance, Westbrook was vindicated as well with his effort. He hit 9 of 16 shots, including 2 of 3 three-pointers, and handed out 15 assists for his third straight double-double in the series. Westbrook failed to grab a rebound, leaving that task to the fellas who can go get them. Monday’s Game 2 loss shows us what can happen when the Thunder’s two stars are off their game. It happens, but it’s a rare occurrence.
QUICK PICK
Don’t expect Durant and Westbrook to lay an egg again like they did in Game 2. The pair bounced back in a big way Thursday and the result was a thumping as the Thunder retook control of the NBA series. If one of OKC’s big two has an off night the team can overcome it, but if both are off their game, the result is what happened on Monday. Even then, the Thunder were a split second away from getting the victory.
With both stars playing to their ability, the Mavs’ chances are much slimmer. Take Williams out of the lineup along with a hurt Dirk and their chances fall to near impossible. It’s almost like the Thunder just got pissed with that Game 2 performance and Westbrook doesn’t want anyone interrupting his pregame dance party.
NBA Odds: Oklahoma City 111, Dallas 97
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