The Mavericks provided the most shocking upset of the 2016 playoffs so far with their 85-84 win over the Thunder on Monday. A sixth seed stealing an away game normally wouldn't be that surprising but Dallas looked completely outmatched in Game 1, in which they trailed by as many as 40 points. A sweep seemed almost inevitable before they stepped up in Game 2. Now they have the chance to take control of the series as it moves to Texas on Thursday.
Thunder vs. Mavericks, NBA playoffs 2016: Time, TV schedule and live stream for Game 3
After a shocking defeat in Game 2, the Thunder will try to regain control of the series in Dallas.
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Raymond Felton was the hero in the Mavericks' win and he will be counted on to produce again from the perimeter. Deron Williams and J.J. Barea are both suffering from minor injuries that are limiting their impact and Chandler Parsons is out for the playoffs after having knee surgery, which leaves Dallas with few shot creators. Felton rose to the challenge in Game 2, finishing with 21 points on 16 field goal attempts. Dallas will need him to have a similar performance to put pressure on the Thunder's perimeter defense.
Even after a surprising loss at home, Oklahoma City should still be considered a heavy favorite to win the series. Almost everything that could go wrong for them did in Game 2 and they still could have won it on the last play if Steven Adams' tip-in had gotten off in time. Kevin Durant won't go 7-of-33 again, and even if he does, Russell Westbrook will likely have a better night on both ends than the one he had on Monday. The Thunder are simply the better team and should make that clear in Dallas.
The weaknesses that were exposed by the Mavericks, however, are very real. Oklahoma City is one of the worst teams in the league when it comes to executing in close games and their typically good team defense suffers when the individuals -- especially Westbrook -- try to make things happen on their own. They are not invincible.
If the Mavericks can prevent a motivated Thunder team from blowing the game open early and go into the fourth quarter within striking distance, they could have a shot at taking the lead in the series and putting an enormous amount of pressure on Oklahoma City.
How to watch Thunder vs. Mavericks Game 3
Place: American Airlines Center
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: TNT
Streaming: Watch TNT
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