[Cactus Jack]

Thunder take Game 1 at home, stretching out their lead late. SGA played really well, as did Andrew Wiggins.

[Van Hagar]

People slept on OKC before the playoffs started. All the talk in the West focused on the Nuggets, the red-hot Mavericks, even the Lakers! But the Thunder was the one-seed for a reason. If we get OKC-Minnesota in the Western Conference finals, I think it’s a true changing of the guard from Lebron and Steph to SGA and Anthony Edwards. And that would be a dynamite series.

[-STAT-]

The way its shaping up right now, an OKC-Minnesota WCF would be an incredible series. Two gritty defensive teams, franchise players and faces of the league in the future with ANT & SGA, think it would be fun one. Not trying to look ahead bc Dallas will be a tough out, but it's looking more and more that this could be the matchup in the WCF.

[-STAT-]

Just like the Boston-Cleveland series, the road team got a W and stole homecourt, so this is shaping up to be a great series as well. Luka struggled in game 1 and Dallas paid for it, bounced back in game 2, and a great outing for PJ Washington. Kyrie struggled, but when you have Luka you can cover those struggles up some. Dallas has that playoff experience, OKC doesn't, and this deep into the season that really does matter. Should be an interesting series to follow.

[Cactus Jack]

However Game 4 ends, it's going to be tough for the "no one plays defense in the NBA" crowds. Lots of length and athleticism at the rim erasing mistakes.

[-STAT-]

However Game 4 ends, it's going to be tough for the "no one plays defense in the NBA" crowds. Lots of length and athleticism at the rim erasing mistakes.

Especially in playoff basketball, where the intensity picks up and rotations are shortened, so the guys on the court really have to dig deep to make plays, and both teams done just that last night. Gritty and tough win for OKC on the road.

[Cactus Jack]

Thunder are on the brink of elimination.

Luka played better tonight-- he wasn't gassed (or maybe he was). Lively has had a nice series, his ability to catch lobs and rim-run have probably resulted in a nice raise the next time he's set to hit free agency.

Not saying OKC can't do it, just that I'm starting to think about how Dallas matches up with either Denver or Minnesota.

[-STAT-]

Dallas really improved their roster at the trade deadline by getting PJ Washington, and the big man Gafford. Their defensive efficiency improved drastically with those additions, and it's really showing now as we get deeper into the playoffs. Plus you're getting great production offensively from Washington which is an added bonus. Led by Luka (who is dealing with some nagging injuries) & Kyrie, who have a ton of playoff experience, that is tough to beat. As great of a story OKC has been all season, they're still a very young team who isn't afraid of the big moment, but just haven't had enough of them at this stage of the season. Think Dallas will finish them off in 6 on Friday.