2011 NBA Playoff Preview: Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, Game 4
Game 4 between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder is tonight at 9 ET in the Oklahoma City Arena. The Mavericks are now up 2-1, and the Thunder are in must win mode.
Game 4 should be a good one and both teams want to win this game. The Mavs are trying to close out the Thunder, and the Thunder are trying to stay alive. Read on to see who wins Game 4 and how they do so.
How Game 3 Was Won
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The Dallas Mavericks played a solid overall game in a 93-87 win, and surprisingly, they did so without a huge game from Dirk Nowitzki, who only had 18 points. They were able to withstand Dirk's production with big games from Shawn Marion and Jason Kidd.
Once again, the Dallas bench noticeably out played the Thunder bench and the Thunder could not score enough. The Thunder had a very good game except for their bench, and they have to feel like they let one go in Game 3.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Keys to a Game 4 Victory
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The Oklahoma City Thunder need bench production, badly. They aren't the same team when they don't get good bench play. Eric Maynor, Nazr Mohammed and Daequan Cook need to play better and they are the key to the series. If one of these three players has double digit scoring, then the Thunder are a different team.
Also there has to better play from everyone in the starting lineup not named Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Durant and Westbrook had 54 combined points, and the rest of the starting lineup had 17 combined points. There has to be better offensive production from this team. The defense is fine but the offense needs some work.
Dallas Mavericks: Keys to a Game 4 Victory
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The Dallas Mavericks just need to play like they have been playing, and they will be on their way to a Game 4 victory. Their bench play has been excellent and in each game of the series so far, the winner has had the advantage in bench play. If this is the key to success in these games, then the Mavs will win.
The only thing I think could be improved is rebounding, both defensive and offensive. This is really the only need for concern for Dallas. They also need to continue the physicality they displayed in Game 3.
Who Wins Game 4?
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The Dallas Mavericks are on a mission and they are looking like a championship caliber team. They're going to come out strong but the Oklahoma City Thunder are going to try to feed off the energy of the home crowd, but I think they will fall short in Game 4. Dirk will find his rhythm again and the Mavs will once again win the bench battle.
Dallas wins 107-102
