- When: Wednesday, May 15th at 9:30 PM ET
- Who: Dallas Mavericks at OKC Thunder
- Where: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, OK
- What: NBA Western Conference Semifinals Playoffs game 5
The upcoming NBA playoff game between the Thunder and the Mavericks in Game 5 is highly anticipated.
The series is tied at 2-2, and both teams have shown great potential. Predicting the outcome is difficult.
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Despite initial doubts about the chemistry between Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks have thrived postseason, showcasing their ability to work together effectively.
Game Preview
Let's dive into our Mavericks-Thunder prediction and analysis.
The upcoming game is expected to be closely contested, with both teams aiming to gain the upper hand in this pivotal matchup.
The Oklahoma City Thunder asserted their dominance as the Western Conference's top seed by clinching Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks.
As the series continues, the Mavericks must focus on improving their defense and finding additional scoring options.
At the same time, the Thunder will look to maintain their balanced approach and solid defensive play.
Initially, the Mavericks seemed poised to secure the win, but their momentum faltered, primarily due to poor shooting from key players like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Now facing a pivotal Game 5 on the road, the Mavericks must rally to secure a victory.
However, they appear fatigued compared to the youthful vigor of the Thunder.
Doncic's evident injury has hampered his performance. Although he's managing to meet expectations, he's not delivering his usual stellar performance.
"Watch Luka when he doesn't have the ball, sometimes you can't find him on the TV screen, he disengages... he just screams selfish to me."
Colin Cowherd speaks on Luka Doncic following the Mavs Game 4 loss to the Thunder 😬
(via @TheHerd)pic.twitter.com/mVkPFh6LHd
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 14, 2024
It's noticeable that he's constantly on the floor or disputing non-foul calls, which doesn't bode well for the team's leadership.
Winning against the Thunder at Paycom Center poses a significant challenge, especially considering the Mavericks' recent scoring struggles.
However, their success hinges on finding additional production beyond their dynamic duo. PJ Washington and Dereck Lively have stepped up, but they'll need more support to overcome the Thunder's balanced lineup.
While the Thunder swept the Pelicans in the first round, this series has proven more competitive. With a youthful roster, they've brought an exciting style of basketball to both ends of the court.
Led by young talents like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder have showcased an exciting brand of basketball on both ends of the court.
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Total Points
The Mavericks have showcased one of the league's top offenses this season, led by their main duo. Ranking 7th in scoring offense, they've been efficient from the field and beyond the arc.
In the postseason, they've maintained a solid scoring average, with Doncic leading the charge in points, rebounds, and assists. His contributions will be pivotal in a game where the stakes are high, and the series is tied.
The Mavericks' defense has faced challenges this season but has shown improvement in the postseason.
They ranked 20th in scoring defense during the regular season, allowing 115.6 points per game.
Additionally, they ranked 20th in field goal percentage defense (47.5%) and 18th in three-point percentage defense (36.8%).
However, in the playoffs, they've tightened up, conceding only 103 points per game. Opponents shoot 43.7% from the field and 36.5% from behind the arc.
Key defensive contributors include Kyrie Irving, averaging 1.6 steals per game, and Derrick Jones Jr., who shares the lead in blocks at 1.5 per game.
On the other hand, the Thunder have relied on their potent offense, ranking third in scoring during the regular season with 120.1 points per game.
They also boasted impressive shooting percentages, ranking third in total field goal percentage (49.9%) and first in three-point shooting (38.9%).
Despite a slight dip in postseason scoring (106.1 points per game), their offensive efficiency remains high, shooting 46.1% from the field and 37.1% from behind the arc.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team with 29.5 points per game and six assists per game.
Stars against the Thunder this playoffs:
Ingram — Luka —
14.3 PPG 22.0 PPG
34.5 FG% 39.0 FG%
25.0 3P% 31.0 3P%Guess who was their primary defender. pic.twitter.com/d0A4C0y1G6
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 14, 2024
Defensively, the Thunder have been solid, ranking 11th in scoring defense (112.7 points per game) during the regular season.
They also excelled in field goal percentage defense (45.5%) and three-point defense (36.1%).
They've stepped up in the playoffs, allowing just 96.6 points per game, with opponents shooting 41.1% from the field and 32.5% from behind the arc.
Notable defensive contributors include Jalen Williams, averaging 1.5 steals per game, and Chet Holmgren, leading in blocks with three per game and rebounds with 8.1 per game.
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