The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the verge of being eliminated from the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks.
In overtime, Oklahoma City couldn't finish a home game it had under control from the opening tip Monday night. The Thunder's lead was 99-84 with five minutes left in the fourth before Dirk Nowitzki sparked a 17-2 run to force overtime. Dallas outscored Oklahoma City 11-4 in the extra session, as the Thunder continued to fall apart offensively.
Stunned, disillusioned and downright angry are among the emotions Thunder players felt Monday after coughing up a 15-point lead five minutes left in the fourth quarter of Game 4.
The Thunder need to regroup back in Dallas or else the season comes to an end. The Mavericks lead the Western Conference finals 3-1 with Game 5 in Dallas on Wednesday night. Does Oklahoma City have enough in the tank after such a demoralizing defeat?
This is the ultimate test for the Thunder's resiliency. Oklahoma City went into Monday 5-0 in the playoffs after a loss, and 26-6 overall following a defeat going back to the regular season.
Oklahoma City had also not lost two consecutive games played at home all season. The Thunder suffered one two-game home losing streak, but there was a road win in between. This loss is a crushing blow to the young psyche of the Thunder.
The Dallas Mavericks look poised and ready to advance and possibly win a ring. The Mavericks have played better on the road in the playoffs, but will easily eliminate the Thunder and advance to play in the NBA Finals.
Bet the NBA Playoffs at Skybook!This online sportsbook has the best odds and wagering opportunities in the NBA playoffs all the way up to the NBA Championship.