[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

I don’t get it, OKC hasn’t been this far in the Playoffs, only Perk. Who knows how Westbrook is going to play, he’s been wildly inconsistent with his shot selection. Chandler is the best low post defender in this series, Ibaka takes a lot of risks when helping off the ball. I feel like the key to this series is how effective Ibaka can be against Dirk. He’s probably the best defender Dirk has seen this postseason but Ibloka is only in his 2nd season and I don’t care what people say, no one on the planet can truely shut down Dirty Dirk. Also, the Mavs have played better competition thus far. I’m not saying OKC doesn’t have a great shot but like everyone is STILL sleeping on the Mavs. They have more depth, more scoring punch, and more experience. Legler picked OKC in like 5 or 6, I think the Mavs will take it in 6. 

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

I think Dallas is going to take it all. They have many battle tested veterans and are very good across the board; #1 scoring option (Dirk), very good post defender (Chandler), veteran PG who is a very good passer (Kidd), Jack of all trades who can score, defend and rebound (Marion), Good perimeter defender (DeShawn Stevenson), dynamic scorer off the bench (Jason Terry), Another big man who can play in the post and defend (Haywood) and another guy who can rain threes off the bench (Peja).

OKC and Chicago don’t have the experience of Dallas and Miami doesn’t have the all around team that the Mavs do.

 

[kingsfan1018Participant]

I have the Mavs in 5 … they have more overall team depth and the experience … the Thunder will fight hard at home but the Dirk and the boys will take it in 5 .

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

I guess because the Mavs haven’t played in over a week. 

Not sure if I would put Ibaka on Dirk if I were the Thunder.  The Thunder need Ibaka in the paint to block shots, not out on the perimeter.  They might want to try Thabo on Dirk (the Grizzies put Tony Allen on Dirk during the regular season at times).  If Dirk gets Ibaka in foul trouble the Thunder will be in trouble. 

If Ibaka is gonna guard Dirk then who is Thabo gonna guard?  Marion?  I would like to see KD on Stevenson so that KD can kinda rest on defense. 

I like Dallas due to their home court advantage.  Dirk/Kidd vs. KD/Westbrook will be a great matchup, but the Mavs have better scorers around those guys (Marion, Chandler, Terry, Barea, Peja).

Stevenson and Thabo are fairly equal as far as talent goes.  Both guys can hit a couple of jumpers and play solid defense.  But I would rather have Stevenson on Durant than have Thabo on Dirk.  The Mavs have some mismatches so Thabo can’t have a great defensive assignment.  Dirk is too big, Terry is too small and fast, and even Peja is longer than Thabo.  Stevenson is stronger than KD and KD’s height advantage isn’t as big as Dirk’s over Thabo’s is.  Dirk is a bigger matchup problem than Durant is. 

 

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 Ok memphis, I understand where you’re coming from and maybe they should start Thabo on him but dude Dirk is going to be able to shoot over him with ease and if you double, Dirk has shown he can pass out of that effectively. Collison may be more effective than anyone on Dirk this series, and that’s still not saying much

[Sasha4MVPParticipant]

Well…..because they are….. the Mavs.  This is a franchise that lost to an 8 seed and blew a 2-0 lead in the NBA finals and a 13 point lead in game 3 with six minutes left.  People expect them to fail again.  This team is definitely different, but I’m just saying that that is how the public perceives them.  

[TyroberParticipant]

 Who is under estimating the Mavs? I have them beating the Thunder and moving on to the finals. Its kind of hard to underestimate a team that I picked to go to the finals

[jeff416Participant]

I think they will win the series, but most people are underestimating them because there the Mavs. Also because people love Durant and OKC, and want them to win.

[billykParticipant]

I think Durant should go to the coaches and convince them to let him guard Dirk… If Durant with his length can throw Dirk off his game OKC has a chance… If Durant can take on that challenge he can go from superstar to legend in one series.. I’m not saying Durant can guard Dirk, but i think he give Dirk problems with his defense if he puts his mind to it… All Time Greats are known to take on challenges on the games biggest stage ie Playoffs… Durant has the length and ability to stay with Dirk, but does he have the intensity and conditioning to play both ways (offense and defense) at such a high level consistently over a 7 game series..

[204ballerParticipant]

Just because they had bad past experience in the playoffs, doesnt mean theyll choke now. Back then, they had weak centers. They had these scrubs to pair up with Nowtizki. Raef LaFrentz, Shawn Bradley, Eric Dampier, Malik Allen. No real shot blocker and defensive presence. Chandler and Haywood are solid centers, not to mention that Dirk’s basketball IQ has gotten better and doesnt chuck up stupid shots anymore. Interesting stat is that KOBE BRYANT only made 1 layup in the first 3 games of the series with the Mavs, thats how good theyre interior help defense was during the Laker series. BTW if Durant ever guards Nowitzki, he will just back him down cause Durant isnt that strong in the post. If he can do it against Odom, Gasol and Artest, he can certainly do it against Durant.  

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