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#1
Looking at the boxscore from Game 1, a couple of questions came up.
1. Can Westbrook figure out a way to attack the zone more effectively?
I believe Westbrook will realize his open spot is the free throw line pull up jumper that he can knock down consistently. When he attacks the rim, he's been forced to take wild shots with the length of Chandler, Haywood and Marion. However, it seems he has lost a bit of confidence, and confidence plays a huge role in your accuracy at this point of the season.
2. Will Durant be as efficient in game 2?
I'm a little surprised Marion hasn't been able to stay with Durant a little more effectively. He must stay out of foul trouble this game.
3. Will OKC get 43 freethrow shots and win the battle of the rebounds again?
This will be the key of the game. OKC will continue to attack the basket effectively with their athleticism, and Dallas will have to focus on getting back on defense better. I believe OKC will attempt to double team Dirk, and that will open up rebounding opportunities for Marion and Chandler. I expect them to be a bigger part of the offense this game with an extra focus on Dirk.
4. Will JJ Barea explode offensively again?
JJ's speed will still be too much for OKC to contain, he will open up shots for the JET and Peja. I don't think Peja will go 1-8 shooting again this game. He will be ready to fire as I think they will be forced to lay off him a bit on defense.
I tried to find ways OKC will try to defend Dirk in game 2, but I can't figure out an effective way. Double teaming him as soon as he gets the ball? He has become a great passer, and with Dallas' great shooters, that will be a dangerous strategy. Front him and help from behind? Dirk is so big that it's hard to front him, and he is such a big target that when he does catch the ball over the top, he will find the open man immediately being the competent passer he has become. There is also no place you can force Dirk to catch the ball to where he becomes uncomfortable.
OKC cannot stay in this game if they don't get more scoring out of their bench. Maynor is a solid point guard, but he lacks offensively. Coach Brooks went to little used Robinson in a desperate measure hoping he got hot and obviously he didn't. James Harden is an amazing talent, but for OKC to win this game, or even keep it close, someone else from the bench must have a huge game.
I don't think Dallas played an amazing game 1, they played their average game at best with a very slow start. Dallas knows this is a must win game for a home team in a best of 7 series. I think coach Carlise will have his team ready to come out and play even better, and beat OKC handily.
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