Watch Here On NBA TV (20:30 ET)
Follow Game Live
DALLAS – Much later than most other teams, the Thunder gets its first crack at an NBA foe tonight as it takes on the Dallas Mavericks in its third preseason game of the year.
After splitting games against European powerhouses Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, who play a movement-based, systematic style, the Thunder is now looking forward to testing itself against an opponent they’re much more familiar with. In fact, the last team the Mavericks played against was the Thunder, in the first round playoff matchup last April that the Thunder won 4-1.
Both teams are drastically different now, thanks to trades and free agency, but it will still be an intriguing preseason tilt because it’s the Thunder’s first opportunity to show what it has been working on as a group against a foe with a similar level of athleticism and more customary style of play.
“It’s all about how much we can continue to grow and get better and improve from one day to the next,” Head Coach Billy Donovan said. “Our guys have done a good job here the last three days coming off of the Spain trip trying to concentrate and focus on the areas we need to improve in both offensively and defensively. I don’t think (today) is any different. We’ll still try to continue to build on defense and on offense.”
While the Thunder’s addition of Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova, Domantas Sabonis, Alex Abrines, Joffrey Lauvergne and Ronnie Price have certainly been felt by fans on the home front, Thunder fans may also see some new familiar faces on the Mavericks roster. The most notable additions joining Dirk Nowitzki, Wesley Matthews and Deron Williams are a pair of former Golden State Warriors – Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut – along with crafty point guard Seth Curry. In this early stage of training camp, both the Thunder and Mavericks will be feeling their way through the best way to play together.
“Guys gelling and meshing and playing together and creating that chemistry on the court is what everybody is looking for right now, with all of our teams,” Donovan said.
The adjustment phase helps when the teammates on the floor and in the locker room are easy going and helpful. That’s what Oladipo and company have encountered so far in Oklahoma City. Thanks to the trip to Spain to help everyone bond and leadership from Russell Westbrook, the Thunder is heading into its state-side preseason slate feeling great about the group they have to go to battle with each day.
“They’re just great to be around,” Oladipo said of his teammates. “It’s hard to find good people and good men who want to win, who aren’t worried about anything else but winning. It’s cool to be a part of.”
