If one is an outlier, two is a trend, then three must be a streak. And that is the win streak that your Dallas Mavericks (8-15) are riding heading into Friday night’s tilt against the world destroying, reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder (21-1). The Thunder are a 22-point blown lead against the Portland Trail Blazers away from being a perfect 22-0, which is just outrageous to think about.
Dallas has already seen Oklahoma City once this year, losing 101-94 at home way back on October 27th. In that game, the Mavericks outscored the Thunder 25-14 in the fourth quarter to nearly pull off the fantastic comeback. However, it was just not to be as tired legs got the best of the home team in the end. Notably, Cooper Flagg was just one for ten from the field while still running point guard. Anthony Davis had 26 points and 11 boards in the effort, as well.
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What is in store for this edition of a fun rivalry? Here are some things you should look for in this matchup.
Can Ryan Nembhard hold up?
Can this rookie duo pass the test the Thunder will provide? (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Thunder are many things, and one of those things is relentless in their ball pressure defensively. With the length and sheer number of bodies that OKC can present you on any given night, it makes for a tough challenge for anyone who brings the ball up. So, how will the sub-six-foot rookie Ryan Nembhard stand up to the test? He’s been fantastic over the last week, as some of us on this very site predicted this summer. However, this is a clear step up in competition. If he can pass this test, there might not be many more questions he has to answer before being converted from his two-way deal.
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The win streak is nice… But I am not moved
The Mavericks are winning basketball games, and for that you must give them a ton of credit. But, in looking at the past week, here is how they have won.
A win against Miami that required the Mavericks shooting 50% from three, while Miami shot over 8% below their season average from deep.
So, yes, these are great wins that have been nothing short of fantastic to watch. But am I buying in on this team just because they are on an otherworldly heater from beyond the arc? If you think that is the case, well, you just don’t know me well enough. Now, if they can pull off an upset in this game or Saturday against Houston? Well, you have my curiosity!
This Thunder team WILL set the NBA record for wins in a single season
I’ll go ahead and stake my claim to this one. Barring injury, this Thunder team is going to win 75 games. They have won 21 of 22 games to start the season, all the while they have had multiple starters miss time to start the year. Jalen Williams, their second-best player, only returned last week after having surgery after the Finals. Lu Dort has missed a third of the season, which is the same as Alex Caruso. Frankly, this team has room to get much better, and that should be concerning for anyone in the league.
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The Mavericks seemingly always play the Thunder well, but I have a feeling this will be their stiffest challenge yet.
How to watch
This game will be a Prime Video exclusive (shout out Dirk). Tipoff is slated for 8:30p CT from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.