Maverick vs. Thunder: Instant Reaction, Analysis of Game 2 of 2012 NBA Playoffs

In a close Game 1, the Thunder came out on top thanks to a game-winning shot by Kevin Durant. Monday night was expected to be another close bout between the two contenders, and it did not disappoint.

While there were times when it looked like the Thunder would pull away, the Mavericks came right back, until the end. The Mavericks had a chance to tie the game and send it into overtime, but they just couldn't do it.

The lead waffled between the two teams, favoring the Thunder most of the game. This was in spite of the fact that Durant was shooting 29 percent.

The first quarter started out pretty even, until OKC began pulling away in a hurry. Halfway through the first quarter, the Thunder had 18 points in the paint alone. Then, as if Nowitzki lit a fire under the Mavericks, they came back and tied the game thanks to a Vince Carter basket with 4:17 to go.

James Harden then came in the game and gave Scott Brooks' Thunder a lift. In his first four minutes, he scored five points without a miss, leading the Thunder an 11-1 run to finish off the quarter.

In the second quarter, it still seemed like the Mavericks could not buy a basket. Even Derek Fisher was able to score eight points in eight minutes on 80 percent shooting. However, if there's one thing the playoffs taught us last year, it's that Dirk Nowitzki will not be denied.

He went off, closing in on the Thunder's lead with his 20 points in the first half. Jason Terry, who had gone scoreless all game, knocked down a three with 31 seconds left to close the Thunder's lead to five going into halftime.

The third quarter was the beginning of Durant's anemic shooting stretch, but point guard Russell Westbrook's shot kept the Thunder alive. Oklahoma City also picked up some crucial fouls.Serge  Ibaka left the game with four fouls, then Nick Collison picked up his fourth and Perkins got three. Midway through the third, Durant was 0-of-5.

And the third quarter set the stage for the rest of the game. Both teams were going to the paint less and less and relying on their shooting. The Thunder's shooting percentage fell to below 50 percent for the first time all game as a result. However, led by Westbrook, they were able to come out on top and take the 2-0 series lead.

As in Game 1, it all came down to the final quarter. Westbrook broke loose and kept the Thunder on top. Nowitzki, however, just kept trying to come back, drawing fouls and making free throws. Vince Carter put the Mavs up by one, and the minute to win it began.

Terry, in a crucial move, unintentionally fouled Durant on an inbounds with 50 seconds to go. The Thunder went up, leaving the veteran Mavs to work some magic. Nowitzki put up a shot, missed, and the Mavs fouled the Thunder. In the end, Dallas just did not have enough.

While this game didn't come down to a KD clutch shot, it did come down to defense, something which lacked on both sides. Neither team was able to control the pace of the game, with both sides running, shooting and rebounding at a quick pace, leading to a good deal of outside shots.

If Dallas is going to come back from this two-game deficit, they'll need to find a way to shut down Westbrook and Durant.