This has a Dallas win stamped all over it but OKC is a resilient team and I'm going to give them and their dumb Coach Scott Brooks a chance to redeem themselves. Here are the following adjustments I seen being made in this game.
Westbrook is getting easy lanes to the rim and is just hesitant to drive. Too much relying on the midrange jumper and not enough penetration. Tonight I expect OKC to really push the pace and Westbrook to get into the lane at Will. Stevenson will guard Westbrook to begin with and then Jason Kidd will take over that duty for a bit. Westbrook needs to take advantage of Kidd right from the get go.
Durant is getting pushed off his spots in this series by Marion on a constant basis. Now this is westbrook's fault, not Durant's. Westbrook needs to make the right play and stop waiting 10 seconds for Durant to get post positioning 3 feet behind the 3 point line. Durant needs to pick his spot more around the elbows rather than outside the perimeter. If he does this, he'll be fine, and most likely drop 35 tonight. He needs to catch the ball right inside the key because no one is going to contest his shot from there.
James Harden needs to step up big as well in this game. OKC really needs his energy off the bench and I think he will bring that tonight. In this series, when he's been in the game, he's done apretty good job guarding Jason Kidd and Terry. I think we will see a good defensive effort from him tonight at the least. Sefalosha, Perkins, and Collison all need to be active on the defensive end. I hope that Scott continues to play Dirk 1 on 1 with either Ibaka or Collison because if you double Dirk the guy is a willing passer and the Mavs will bury you. Similar to that close out game against the lakers, Dirk will always make the right play and the Mavs will burn you from the perimeter. I think OKC's athleticism will help them to recover even if they decide to double Dirk tonight.
The Mavs are going to play a good team game tonight. I expect a great defensive effort from them and to try and play with efficiency. However, I like a desperate, athletic team and I really believe in Duran't will to win. Tonight I expect the Thunder to play with a deep sense of urgency and defensively I just think they will smother the Mavs as much as possible, try and force turnovers, and get into the open court.
Active hand and feet will win this game.
By the way JR I haven't even lost close to 25 straight NBA plays. You are delusional. You saw someone type that and now you just say it. Please list the 25 straight plays I lost, thanks.
Thunder +7 Risking $330