The series between the Mavericks and the Thunder, before it started, many people predicted that the Mavericks would advance, and they were basically not optimistic about the Thunder, thinking that the Thunder was too young. But in this year's playoffs, are there fewer times when you are slapped in the face? You can take a look at the first round of the Timberwolves and the Suns, the Suns took the Timberwolves in the regular season, and the Timberwolves played a sweep directly. In the second round, they met the defending champion Nuggets, who were still considered to have a big chance of winning, and as a result, they lost two consecutive home games as soon as they raised their hands. Therefore, in this playoffs, the strategy of the two teams can only be seen after the game really starts. The Mavericks and Thunder G1 have finished playing, and everyone has seen that the Mavericks directly lost 22 points, which can be said to have no face at all.
The Thunder won for two reasons. The first reason is that the core can be used to the bottom. Alexander, the core of the Thunder, although his shooting efficiency is almost meaningless, is still quite good at the free throw line, so he has 29 points, 9 assists and 9 rebounds. The second reason is that there are more players who can get it. In addition to Alexander, Jalen Williams also contributed 18 points, especially during the period when the Mavericks were chasing points, Jalen can be said to have directly shattered their dreams. Of course, we can't forget Chet, the guy played the playoffs semifinals for the first time, but he was not unfamiliar at all, with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks to make a steady contribution. Of course, the Thunder bench is also fierce, with Wiggins scoring 16 points and Jaylin Williams 11 points.
The Lone Ranger G1 was deflated, some people may have said, didn't G1 also eat deflated in the first round, and in the end it didn't win the series. However, what we need to know is that G1 has already exposed the problem of the Lone Ranger. Who is to blame for the loss? In fact, the data already tells you the answer. The core of the Mavericks is Doncic, but Doncic's shooting efficiency is relatively poor, hitting 6 of 19 shots and 1 of 8 three-pointers. When you shoot so inefficiently, a big core with the ball like this, it hurts the team. Doncic had 19 points, 9 assists, and 5 turnovers, and had a plus/minus of -21. Doncic likes sticky balls and slow-moving play, but here in the Thunder, they will break it down for you.
Another giant, Irving, can only be said to have maintained a stable output in this game. He hit 7-of-14 shots and 3-of-4 three-pointers for 20 points and three assists. Looking at Irving's current play, it feels like he doesn't fight or grab, and when Doncic's ball comes, or when he is willing to give up the ball, Irving will get it. If Doncic had been on the ball, Irving would have positioned himself as a capstone shooter. The Mavericks are 13-of-33 from the Big Two, Irving pulls Doncic's crotch normally, and it will be difficult for the Mavericks to win. Of course, Doncic played the game with an injury, and he was also very helpless. Let's take a look at the next game, how Doncic adjusted.
In addition, judging from the atmosphere of the players on the bench when the Mavericks were behind, everyone was chatting, smiling, and quite relaxed. In addition, since Kidd coached the Mavericks, he has lost five series G1 games, and three of them have completed series reversals. Overall, if the Mavericks G2 still has no way and Doncic shoots so inefficiently, the series can be declared over, and there is no suspense, everyone can wait and see.