WESTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW: Dallas has had a long...

4:08 pm - Tue, May 17, 2011: 114 notes

WESTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW:

Dallas has had a long rest. Mavs will be out of rhythm tonight, so OKC’s best shot to steal homecourt is now.

Durant’s been the best player on the court each of the last two series, but that probably comes to an end in Dallas. Dirk’s just been peaches all Spring.

This series lies in the hands of Russell Westbrook.

I’ve said since last summer, OKC will be primed and ready next season. They got a taste versus the Lakers in ‘10, but I thought they still needed to dump Jeff Green to build a contender. The trade brought muscle, an enforcer to protect Oklahoma City’s young talent, and championship pedigree with Kendrick Perkins. OKC knew they were getting a center, but probably had no idea they were signing a teacher.

The last hurdle to a title is Russell.

Westbrook either steps into the role of team point guard, organizes/runs the team on the court, and facilitates the offense through Durant, or the Thunder take a step back. I tell ya, I don’t know how it will play out in the future - Rusty’s just good enough that he might want to be the star. In the now, I don’t think he’s there yet. The Mavs will play with the desperation of knowing their window is closing, as they did against LA, and will win in 6 games.

Of course I thought the Lakers would be in the Western Conference Finals…so what do I know?

Got ‘Em