Thunder vs. Mavericks Game 2 Preview: Dallas Is Done

<p>Say what you want, but this series is over.</p>

Monday, April 18th 2016, 6:31 am

By: News 9

Thunder vs. Mavericks Game 2 Preview: Dallas Is Done

The Thunder seized control in convincing fashion on Saturday night with a 108-70 Game 1 thumping that wasn’t even as close as the score indicated.

Oklahoma City was clicking on all cylinders and got big contributions from Serge Ibaka (17 points, nine rebounds) and Enes Kanter (16 points, 13 rebounds) along with the expected dominance from the usual suspects.

Most considered Dallas a long shot coming into the series and things look even worse for the Mavs as Game 2 on Monday night approaches. Here are three reasons why this series is already over:

1. Dallas had no shot to begin with

It’s no secret that Mark Cuban came away from the offseason with a nasty taste in his mouth after losing out on DeAndre Jordan. Instead of one of the NBA’s top centers, the Mavs are stuck playing Salah Mejri, Zaza Pachulia and JaVale McGee, none of whom would even sniff the Thunder rotation. The OKC bigs will feast all series long.

The Mavs aren’t good enough to win this series and never were.

2. Too many injuries

At full strength, Dallas might have enough in the tank to make things interesting. But the Mavs came into this deal without David Lee and Chandler Parsons, and now Deron Williams and J.J. Barea are doubtful for Game 2.

Mavs point guard Deron Williams (sports hernia) will be listed as doubtful for Game 2 against the Thunder, coach Rick Carlisle.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 17, 2016

Mavs guard J.J. Barea (groin) is out for Game 2. His availability for the rest of the series is uncertain.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 17, 2016

Raymond Felton, having started 17 playoff games, played in 24 and averaged double figures in those games, is a very solid replacement. But the Mavs' depth is gone and more importantly, their shooting is, too. Dallas relies on Williams and Barea for 3-point shooting, something it doesn't do with Felton.

3. The Thunder will win Game 2, and that'll be it

The Thunder, like most teams, are an entirely different animal at home. Oklahoma City has one of the loudest playoff settings in the league and should manhandle the Mavs in Game 2. If OKC does go up 2-0, the Mavs would have to win four of five games to win the series. Some folks say that a series doesn't start until a home team loses a game. Those people are wrong.

Game 2 is coming tomorrow, Oklahoma City. And so are these shirts, on every seat in the arena. Thank you to @BCBSOK! pic.twitter.com/4MsK9ZzlGZ
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 18, 2016

As you can see in the tweet, the Thunder announced a whiteout for Game 2. Tipoff from Chesapeake Arena is set for 7 p.m.

Mavs guard J.J. Barea (groin) is out for Game 2. His availability for the rest of the series is uncertain.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 17, 2016

3. The Thunder will win Game 2, and that'll be it

Game 2 is coming tomorrow, Oklahoma City. And so are these shirts, on every seat in the arena. Thank you to @BCBSOK! pic.twitter.com/4MsK9ZzlGZ
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 18, 2016

As you can see in the tweet, the Thunder announced a whiteout for Game 2. Tipoff from Chesapeake Arena is set for 7 p.m.

","published":"2016-04-18T11:31:59.000Z","updated":"2016-04-18T11:48:42.000Z","summary":"

Say what you want, but this series is over.

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