If we’re learning anything in these NBA playoffs it’s that:
A. The officiating is as bad as we thought.
B. The Thunder is better than we expected.
Another blown call in another late-game situation helped Oklahoma City to another key road win Monday night.
Point guard Russell Westbrook glaring dragged his pivot foot, but was awarded a timeout instead of called for a traveling violation with his team up three points and only 17 seconds remaining. The refs also botched a non-call late in Game 2 in San Antonio, affording the Thunder a victory.
The officiating remains brutal. But the Thunder’s run through the Spurs and to a 1-0 lead over Golden State in the Western Conference Finals is somehow comforting to the Mavs.
It’s nice to see elite teams like the Spurs and Warriors struggle with the same problems that led to Dallas’ 4-1 defeat in Round 1. No one can stay in front of Westbrook. And no one can keep the Thunder’s gaggle of big bruisers off the offensive boards.
I’m not saying the Mavs should be tricked into a “we’re not that far off” mentality and stand pat with its old, slow roster. But I am saying that – after watching Oklahoma City go 9-3 in the playoffs so far – the Mavs' five-game loss doesn’t look so bad after all.
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A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
