Thunder 107 Mavericks 93: Game 5 Review

In the 2011 Western Conference Finals it was the veteran and experienced Mavericks who outplayed and out executed the young and inexperienced Thunder, knocking off Oklahoma City 4 games to 1. Since then when the two teams have faced off it has been the Thunder who have dominated the series and imposed their will. Last night's 107-93 Oklahoma City continued that trend as the Thunder won their 11th straight game over the Mavs.
For most of the first half the Mavs hung right in their with the Thunder. Oklahoma City though

pushed the lead to 6 at halftime and scored the first 6 points of the 3rd quarter to push their lead to 12 and the Mavs never seriously threatened afterwards. Turnovers doomed Dallas as their 21 giveaways led to numerous fast break baskets for the Thunder. The Mavs were visibly frustrated and Vince Carter let his frustration get the best of him as was ejected for flagrant 2  retaliatory elbow to Oklahoma City rookie Steven Adams. Russell Westbrook showed no rust in his 2nd game after knee surgery as he exploded the the basket numerous times on his way to 22 points and led a Thunder offense that shot over 54% from the field. Kevin Durant has a quiet for him 23 points but was able to pass the ball well all night finishing with 10 assists.
For the Mavs Monta Ellis showed the same level of aggressiveness we have seen all year, scoring 20 points but in the negative column had 7 turnovers. Shawn Marion had 17 points and Dirk had 16 despite only attempting 12 shots. Jae Crowder continued his lights-out shooting going 6-8 from the field and 3-5 on threes and finishing with 17 points. If Crowder can continue to shoot the ball this well you can be sure that rotation spot will be solidified.
Through the first 5 games, the Mavericks have played really well in three wins at home, but have struggled against two of the West's best on the road. I think we will see better road play when they face  lesser opponents away from home, but as of now it is tough sledding whenever the Mavs play of the league's elite teams on the road. With games on the road trip left at Minnesota and Milwaukee we will see what the Mavs can due against one team that seems to be at their level and another that they are better than.
We know for sure that since 2011 the Mavs have not been up to the same level as the Thunder, but then again very few teams have been.

Team Leaders
Points: Ellis, 20
Rebounds: Dalembert, 9
Assists: 4 with 3
Player of the Game: Crowder

Quote of Note:  "They are a good team, and to win this game in this atmosphere, you really have got to be right and really have to be functioning well on all levels. And it just wasn't there for us tonight." Rick Carlisle

Next Up: The Mavericks (3-2) travel to Minnesota Friday night to take on the 3-2 Timberwolves at 7:00, in the middle game of the 3 game road trip.