Kendrick Perkins Injury Update: Could Be Out 10 To 14 Days, According To Report

The Oklahoma City Thunder could end up starting their Western Conference Semifinals series against the Los Angeles Lakers without their starting center Kendrick Perkins. Of course, the Lakers have to finish off the Denver Nuggets first, which leaves the Thunder hoping that the Nuggets can at least stall the Lakers until Perkins hip gets healthy, which according to a report could take 10 to 14 days.

"Perkins' return to play will be based on his progress and recovery in the coming days," the read a press release from the team.

But Thunder beat writer thinks there's a chance the injury could be more severe than a day-to-day diagnosis.

Thunder coach Scott Brooks, speaking hypothetically on Monday, said that if there was a Game 5 between the Thunder and Mavs Perkins probably wouldn't be able to play. That revelation, coupled with both Perk being unable to return to Game 4 and the Thunder's ambiguous announcement Sunday, gives the impression that Perk's injury is somewhat serious. I'm just reading tea leaves here.

Read more about the Thunder at Welcome To Loud City.

NBA Playoffs 2012: James Harden Is The Bridge Between Kevin Durant And Russell Westbrook

It was a concern around this time last year that Oklahoma City Thunder superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook could have chemistry issues that might disrupt the overall potential of the team. But what can't get lost in that conversation, which was likely overblown to begin with, is that there is a third element to all that star power and his name is James Harden.

SB Nation's Andrew Sharp likened the Thunder's trio of star power to the Barksdale crew from The Wire, with Durant and Westbrook of last year having that Avon/Stringer Bell relationship that is both dynamic and problematic for their regime. Or at least that's how they can be perceived at times. Sharp asks if Harden must be Slim Charles in this case. Others might say Harden is Wee-Bey, since he's coming up with Durant and Westbrook as opposed to under them.

Anyway, Harden certainly has a stone-cold killer game and the ability to be the front man if Durant or Westbrook can't do it on a given night, for whatever reason. Here is what Sharp had to say about Harden as it pertains to basketball:

This year is when everyone's realizing he might be OKC's most valuable player. Kevin Durant may be their best player, but Harden's the piece of the OKC engine that makes everything else run smoothly. He's deadly off the dribble, he finds open shooters off pick-and-roll, and he gives OKC a bridge between Russell Westbrook and Durant that makes them just about impossible to guard.

When you look at what's made the Thunder different this season, Harden's the perfect example. Instead of Durant and two sidekicks (Westbrook and Harden), everyone's gotten better, and the Thunder now have three guys who would be the best player on the floor for 90 percent of the NBA. Harden is that good now, and so are the Thunder. It's not a coincidence.

Read more about the Thunder at Welcome To Loud City.

Bomani Jones Previews Potential Thunder Vs. Lakers Series

The Los Angeles Lakers still have to win one more game, but if they can finish off the Denver Nuggets, their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder has the potential to be the best of the postseason.

As Bomani Jones of SB Nation says, it has been a long time since a playoff series has provided a matchup like the Lakers and the Thunder.

Even if there weren't the World Peace-James Harden angle, Thunder-Lakers is the most fascinating matchup of an upstart and stalwart since Pistons-Celtics in ‘87.

Jones adds that the Lakers have a distinct edge in experience with Kobe Bryant and head coach Mike Brown. On the contrary, the Thunder's only player that has been to the NBA Finals is Derrick Fisher.

The Lakers will look to close out the Nuggets on Tuesday.

For more on the Oklahoma City Thunder, check out Welcome To Loud City and SB Nation's NBA page.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Mavericks Vs. Thunder: Serge Ibaka Steps Up

As the Oklahoma City Thunder are all but assured of a first round victory - if not a sweep - of the defending champion Dallas Mavericks - the local attention has turned away from the young gun scoring and towards the advent of a crucial title component: defense.

The Daily Oklahoman profiles Serg Ibaka's block of Jason Terry's layup attempt in the second quarter, a bucket that would've cut the OKC lead to four and given the morbund home crowd in American Airlines Arena a reason to cheer:

Air Congo flew in from behind, let Terry release the ball and swatted the ball to Grand Prairie.

The Rawlings looked like it had been shot out of a cannon. It sailed on a line sideways, the 25 feet to the out-of-bounds line and beyond. Over the heads of the rich and famous in the Nicholson seats. Past the peasants sitting behind them.

The ball landed about seven rows up, with all the velocity of a baseball line drive.

Holy guacamole, Mav fans seemed to say. And their team seconded the motion.

Of all the things for Thunder fans to get excited about, the defensive prowess in Game 3 might be the most important going forward, as OKC seemed simply unstoppable once Kevin Durant shook out of his early Playoff slump and Russel Westbrook was deadly in the second half. However, Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins proved to menacing in the paint and near the rim, creating "uncomfortable" shots for Dallas, and making OKC look like a Finals contender in the process.

For more on the Oklahoma City Thunder, check out Welcome To Loud City and SB Nation's NBA page.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Mavericks Vs. Thunder: Dallas Collapse A 'Shock'

There's certainly an air of confidence about the Oklahoma City Thunder and their fans at the moment, to the point where the Thunders' 3-0 series lead over Dallas is being framed more about how surprisingly bad the defending champs were in Game 3, rather than how efficient OKC seemed in all phases. Just ask SB Nation's Thunder blog Welcome To Loud City:

Shock. Total and utter shock. I had no idea the Mavs, after two incredibly close losses in Oklahoma City, would just collapse in Game 3. And by collapse, I mean collapse. The Mavs never looked like they wanted to win this game. Dirk Nowitzki played a decent enough game, but he was the only Mavs player to do so. Vince Carter kept making dumb moves driving to the rim. Jason Kidd took way more shots than he should have. Marion and Terry were AWOL, and did terrible jobs on their defensive assignments.

One reason for their confidence is the suddenly stout OKC defense that forced Dallas to take uncomfortable shots all night. In other words, the Thunder are look like a well-rounded title team:

None of the Mavericks players were ever able to get on a roll, save for a late first quarter run by Vince Carter. Because the Mavs offense couldn't find a second go-to guy, it was basically forced to work through Kidd and Nowitzki. Dirk's plays got too predictable, and Kidd isn't enough of a scoring threat to be relied upon to draw pressure anymore. You also have to give credit to the defense of Sefolosha and Durant, who contributed significantly to shutting down their assignment.

For more on the Oklahoma City Thunder, be sure to check out Welcome To Loud City and SB Nation's NBA page.

NBA Playoffs 2012: Thunder Defeat Mavericks 95-79, Rick Carlisle Frustrated

The Dallas Mavericks are frustrated. They have been for their entire first round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now their emotions are at an all-time low after losing at home in the third game of the series 95-79.

The first two games of the series could have gone in either direction. Kevin Durant won the opening game on a buzzer-beater and Shawn Marion was questioning Durant's heroics after the game with frustrated quotes about his shooting percentage and how easily he could be derided rather than praised. That quote made sense in the moment, but it's a risky proposition for someone on the losing end to question things without sounding bitter. Looking back, Marion's words only sound desperate down 3-0.

The same can be said of game two, where the lead continued to change late in the game and Jason Terry missed two buzzer beaters to tie the game at the end of regulation. As for the third, it was complete dominance from beginning to end.

Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle was upset after the los, saying that just switching venues and being back at home in Dallas is not enough. The team also has to respond on the court.

"We've played very well the first two games but we come away empty because we just haven't been able to make one extra play," Carlisle said. "We've got to turn that in Game 3, and it's not as simple as just coming home. We have to make it happen."

The Mavs have at least one more chance to right the ship as they play Game 4 in Dallas on Saturday.

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Mavs' Dirk Nowitzki: 'Bad Time To Put A Stinker Out There' Against Thunder

While the first two games could have gone either direction, last night's third game in the opening round series between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder held no such questions. The game was completely dominated by Kevin Durant and the rest of the Thunder and the defending champs could only shake their heads after the 95-79 loss. For team star Dirk Nowitzki, it was exactly the opposite of what he says they wanted to do coming out.

"Our goal was to come out swinging, create energy and get the building going," he said after the game. "It wasn't the way we wanted to start the game. Give them credit. They threw a heck of a game at us. ... We picked a bad time to put a stinker out there."

Scott Brooks, head coach of the Thunder, realized the defensive intensity was going to be key for OKC's success. He was proud of their effort after the game.

"Defensively we did probably as well as we could possibly do against a very good offensive team that really moves the basketball very well."

The Mavs are now on the ropes down 3-0 in the series and must bounce back to win every game from here on out to take the series. For the Thunder, it's about closing things efficiently and making sure to not give your opponent too much hope.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Thunder Vs. Mavericks Final Score: OKC Takes 3-0 Series Lead After 95-79 Win

The Thunder took a commanding 3-0 series lead with Thursday night's 95-79 win over the Mavericks in Dallas.

Oklahoma City lead 50-41 at halftime, but probably should have led by more if not for a late mini-run by the Mavs. Dallas scored the first two baskets of the third quarter, but the Thunder dominated the rest of the period, outscoring the Mavs 25-12 to lead 75-57 after three.

OKC extended its lead into the 20s in the fourth quarter and the rest of the game was slow and painful for the home crowd and the team's owner, who are now one game away from elimination.

Kevin Durant led all scorers with 31 points on 11-for-15 shooting along with six assists. Russell Westbrook scored 20 on 8-for-19 shooting. Serge Ibaka recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. The Thunder shot just 42.4 percent from the floor, but the Mavs shot 34.2 percent, including 7-for-22 from the three-point line. Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with 17 points, but shot 6-for-15.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Thunder Vs. Mavericks Score Update: OKC Leads 50-41 At Halftime Of Game 3

The Thunder are looking to move one game closer to eliminating the Mavs in a vital Game 3 in Dallas. At halftime, Oklahoma City holds a 50-41 lead

With the score 9-5 early in the first quarter, the Thunder went on a 19-8 run to open up a 28-13 lead. The Mavs fought back to cut the lead to 32-26 by the end of the quarter.

After Dallas scored the first basket of the second quarter, the Thunder went on another run, this one 16-5 to extend the lead to 48-33. But the Mavs again kept it close, finishing the half on an 8-2 run.

Kevin Durant leads all scorers with 21 points on 8-for-10 shooting. Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and James Harden each have eight points, but Westbrook is 3-for-11 from the field. As a team, the Thunder are shooting 41.3 percent.

Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd each have 10 points to lead the Mavs, who are shooting just 36.8 percent.

Thunder Vs. Mavericks: Game 3 Preview, TV Info And More

Oklahoma City arrives in Dallas with a 2-0 advantage in the NBA Playoffs' first round series, despite not having the elite play from Kevin Durant that the All-Star has shown all season. Durant did hit the game-winning shot to take a 1-0 series lead, Durant has shot 15-of-44 in two games. The Thunder won Game Two without hitting a field goal in the final four minutes. While Durant has struggled, Russel Westbrook is averaging 28.5 points a game, strong enough to lead the team.

Date / Time: Thursday, May 3, 8:30 p.m. CT

Location: American Airlines Arena, Dallas, Texas

TV: TNT

Radio: Thunder Radio Network

Line: Dallas (-3)

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VIDEO: Dirk Nowitzki, Kendrick Perkins Fight During Thunder-Mavs Playoff Game

The Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder are just the latest NBA Playoff series that has featured plenty of drama. Whether it's Amare Stoudemire of the Knicks punching a fire extinguisher after a game or the following shoving and yelling between Mavs star forward Dirk Nowitzki and Thunder center Kendrick Perkins, the playoffs are a heated time.

Last night in Game Two of the opening series, the players took exception to the physical nature each was playing with and the following scuffle ensued. Luckily it didn't come to blows, so there will be no suspension or anything a la Rajon Rondo or Metta World Peace. However, it's another sign at just how high tensions can run at this of year.

"It happens. [It's the] playoffs," Perkins said. "Just grown men out here playing basketball and teams trying to advance. You just out here playing. Nothing to hurt or nothing like that. Neither side going to bow down. They not, we not. So we just out here playing and competing at a high level."

Check out the video below:

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Miserable Mavericks: Rick Carlisle Says Dallas Searching For Answers Against Thunder

The Dallas Mavericks are down 0-2, and a quick glance at the series outcome so far insinuates that things are lopsided against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Yet anyone watching the games will tell you that the Mavs could easily have won both of the first two games of the series and that the defending champs should still control their own destiny — although now they face an uphill battle.

No matter how much they roar back, the Thunder seem to have the final answers — something that Jason Terry could not find at the buzzer last night and the very thing that Kevin Durant found the time before. Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle sounds stumped.

“You’ve got to give them credit for what they’re doing and we’ve got to just; we can’t dig ourselves a 16-point hole in the first half,” Carlisle said. “That’s something that’s tough. I love the way we fought back and it was great. Guys hung in, they kept their poise, all that. But, hey look, they held serve and we’ve got to go home and hold serve, too.”

The Mavs now take the home court baton and they have to hope that the advantage there is enough to even the series. Despite the close games and experience, however, coming back from being down 0-2 in a series is tough to do in the NBA Playoffs.

VIDEO: Jason Terry Misses Final Two Shots At Buzzer For Mavericks Against Thunder

The Dallas Mavericks definitely had their chances the last two games against the Oklahoma City Thunder to go up in either game and make it a closer series. Instead, the Thunder are up two games to zero against the defending champs, and it's the team's inability to close games out late that keep them from achieving their goal. Check out last night's game in which Jason Terry misses two shots at the buzzer to keep the Mavs in it.

Terry had 13 points off the bench for the Mavs last night, including 2 for 6 from 3-point territory. Here, however, are two of the attempts he needed most.

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Kevin Durant Glad To Have James Harden Back In Line-Up Against Mavericks

James Harden was back in action and form for the Oklahoma City Thunder last night in their 102-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks. It was not only a statement for the team against the reigning NBA champions. It was also a personal statement for Harden after being knocked out with a concussion from a blow to the head from Metta World Peace.

Harden delivered strong numbers across the board last night, including going 10 for 10 from the stripe in a very close game. With 15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals, Harden was a positive contributor no matter what was going on. Durant said it was nice to have him back.

"We’re an aggressive team, and all season we’ve been getting to the free-throw line," Thunder forward Kevin Durant said. "We practice free throws every day in every situation. James loves that situation, getting up there and knocking them down with the game on the line."

Harden admits the fourth quarter was an intense one. The lead kept changing and Dallas once again was up over OKC going into the final minute of the game. For the second straight time, however, the Thunder ended up on top when it counted.

We kept going back and forth, especially in that fourth quarter," Harden said. "It was a one-point lead and it kept exchanging, so we had to really lock in and get some stops down the stretch and we did.

"Our intensity, helping each other on the defensive end, our communication and when we made them miss, we grabbed the rebound and we pushed it and got open threes and open layups," Harden said, when asked what was behind that outburst. "That’s going to be the key, us getting stops and getting into transition and getting easy baskets."

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Thunder vs. Mavericks Final Score, 2012 NBA Playoffs: OKC Beats Dallas 102-99

Dirk Nowitzki led all scorers in the game with 31 points. Kevin Durant shot 5 of 17. Those are the sorts of figures that might lead you to believe that the Dallas Mavericks tied up their first round series with the Oklahoma CIty Thunder. You would also be wrong. Instead, the Thunder showed grit in hard-fought game last night that ended 102-99 in favor of OKC.

The Mavs are now 0-2 in the opening series of the 2012 NBA Playoffs, and the title defense is looking shaky from the outset. It’s not for lack of trying or opportunity, since both games have featured late leads for Dallas. They just haven’t been able to close things out. That’s the sort of thing a veteran team should excel in.

Durant finished with 26 points, but Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 29. Durant added 10 rebounds and James Harden had a solid all-around game for OKC with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.

Jason Kidd grabbed his 1,000th career rebound in the playoffs in this game for the Mavs, placing him in historic company. Only Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen and Magic Johnson have 1,000 points, rebounds and assists. It is, however, a small consolation for the Mavs who now have their backs against the proverbial wall.

For more on the Oklahoma City Thunder, be sure to check out Welcome to Loud Cityand join the discussion. For more on the Dallas Mavericks, check out Mavs Moneyball. For more on the 2012 NBA Playoffs, check out the SB Nation NBA hubpage.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Thunder Vs. Mavericks Final Score: OKC Takes 2-0 Series Lead with 102-99 Win

Jason Terry missed two game-tying three-pointers in the final seconds as the Thunder held on for a 102-99 win to take a 2-0 series lead in their first round matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.

Russell Westbrook led Oklahoma City with 29 points on 10-for-21 shooting. Kevin Durant scored 26, going 14-for-16 from the three-throw line. The charity stripe was big for the Thunder, who went 37-for-39 at the line. Trailing by one with 50 seconds left, the Thunder made all six free-throw attempts to take the lead and hold on for the win. For their part, the Mavs went 28-for-32 from the line.

Late in the first quarter, Oklahoma City went on a 25-7 run to take a 46-30 lead midway through the second and looked like they might pull away a little bit. But the Mavs answered with a 17-4 run to bring the game close again. The Thunder led 57-50 at halftime.

Dallas opened the second half on a 17-7 run to retake the lead, and the teams traded the lead back and forth the rest of the night. Trailing 97-96 with 50 seconds left, Durant was fouled on an inbounds play and made both free throws to give Oklahoma City the lead. James Harden made four free throws down the stretch to extend Oklahoma City's lead to three points, and Terry's misses ended the game. Harden finished with 15 points, going 10-for-10 from the free-throw line.

Dirk Nowitzki led all scorers with 31 points for the Mavs, but he missed a wide-open three pointer that would have given Dallas a four-point lead with just over a minute to play. The Mavs went 5-for-23 from three-point range and the Thunder have a 2-0 series lead.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Mavericks Vs. Thunder: Jason Kidd Joins Historic Company With Playoff Milestones

For all of the drama surrounding the outcome of the NBA playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks, there's also some greatness on display that few players will ever achieve. With his rebounding milestone tonight (as described below), Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd entered some very impressive territory.

Jason Kidd: 1,000th career playoff rebound tonight. Only others with 1,000 playoff points, rebounds and assists: Jordan, Pippen, Magic, Bird

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 1, 2012

Kidd's career is definitely on the plane of several Hall of Famers and his case will be an interesting one in time. For now he hopes to add another NBA Championship to his resume.

Kidd averaged 6.2 points, 5.5 assists and 4.1 rebounds this year for the Mavs.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Thunder Vs. Mavericks Score Update: OKC Leads 57-50 At Halftime

Looking to take a 2-0 series, the Oklahoma City Thunder lead the Dallas Mavericks 57-50 at halftime of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Russell Westbrook leads the Thunder with 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting. Kevin Durant has 14 points on 4-for-9 shooting.

The Thunder finished the first quarter on an 11-1, capped by a buzzer-beating deep jumper from Derek Fisher. That run extended to 25-7 midway through the second quarter as the Thunder opened up a 46-30 lead and looked like they were starting to pull away.

But Dallas fought back, going on a 17-4 run in just over three minutes to make it a tight ballgame. Dirk Nowitzki has 20 points to lead the Mavs.

via assets.sbnation.com

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Video: Mavericks vs Thunder - Dirk Nowitzki and Kendrick Perkins scuffle

Tempers were flaring early in Game 2 between Oklahoma City and Dallas when Dirk Nowitzki and Kendrick Perkins had a couple shoves for each other in the first quarter.

The trouble started when Nowitzki was hit in the face by Serge Ibaka after taking a hit to face on a jump shot. Nowitzki had some words for Ibaka down the floor. After Kevin Durant made a bucket for Oklahoma City, Perkins bumped Nowitzki and the two shared a couple of shoves before the officials and players stepped in. The pair were issues double technicals.

Thunder Vs. Mavericks: Shawn Marion Calls Kevin Durant's Game-Winner A 'Lucky Bounce'

Shawn Marion is ready to dispel any notions of Kevin Durant as a major hero. Despite his game-winning jumper in game one at the last second that sent the Oklahoma City Thunder up 1-0 in the win column over the Dallas Mavericks, the Mavs forward wasn't giving any credit to the OKC star. Instead, he called it a "lucky bounce" and seemed to look forward to game two.

"Personally, he couldn't even see the basket on his last shot," Marion said following the Mavs' morning shootaround. "If you go 10 for 30, what the hell? Y'all just remember that one shot. How many easy buckets did he get last game? Fast-break dunks? How many shots did he shoot with a contested hand in his face that he hit? That's what you got to factor in. OK, yeah, he hit a game-winning shot. OK, I mean that was a tough-ass shot, lucky bounce.

"If he missed that then what, what are y'all saying, he needs to stop shooting, pass the ball? Everybody's all saying these positive things. At the end of the day they got a win. Hey, it's Game 2 tonight."

It's an unsteady comment that surprises since the Mavs know all too well who the more mature, experienced team is here. You'd expect a team that just won the finals to do all of their talking on the court, but Marion apparently took serious issue with the heroics talk surrounding Durant. Both teams can speak the loudest tonight during game two, so it only adds further intrigue for a series that, frankly, didn't need any. This level of talent speaks for itself.

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Thunder Vs. Mavs, Game 2: TV Schedule, Tip-Off Time

Shawn Marion says the shot was lucky. Kevin Durant's game says it's likely to happen several more times throughout his career. The game-winning jumper at the buzzer of last night's game apparently made sore losers out of the Dallas Mavericks, but it set the Oklahoma City Thunder on top 1-0 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Tonight is game two at Oklahoma City which means the Mavs could be back on their heels in the first year after winning the title. Marion needs to be ready to back his words tonight.

On the flip side, the young, dynamic Thunder will be tested with the lead they've been given. The Mavs are steady and battle-tested. Any cockiness or swagger on the part of the Thunder could come too soon.

Game Time: Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT
Where: Oklahoma City
TV Coverage: Televised coverage can be found nationally on TNT.

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Kevin Durant Says Mavericks Still Present Tough Series Ahead

Even though the Oklahoma City Thunder ripped the heart out of the Dallas Mavericks in game one with a last second jumper by Kevin Durant to win the game, the league's leading scorer realizes that there's still a long road ahead if the team wants to win the opening series of the 2012 NBA Playoffs. The Mavs, after all, are the defending champions, so one game doesn't make or break such a storied team.

"Those guys, man, they're a mentally tough team," Durant said after Game 1. "They come at you in so many different ways so I don't think we got their best shot. We've just got to keep playing. Our defense was decent. We've just go to continue to pick each other up. We'll see what happens. This is a long series."

The Thunder have the pivotal win in the first game, which means quite a bit moving forward having the momentum and the advantage. However, Dirk Nowitzki and company have been in such places before. Scott Brooks, OKC's head coach, isn't fooled for a minute into thinking that they can rest on their laurels at this point.

"You always know that they can play better because they have in the past," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. "They are the defending champions, although they don't have a few of the players they won the championship with last year. But they have some key players that are champions and are going to have good games. We have to keep fighting them and forcing them to take tough shots. I thought we did that in the second half [of Game 1] as well as we've done."

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Thunder Vs. Mavericks Game 2: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

What can Kevin Durant do for an encore? We'll find out on Monday night as the Oklahoma City Thunder try to take a 2-0 series land on the Dallas Mavericks.

In Game 1, Durant's game-winning jumper capped off a Thunder rally that gave Oklahoma City early control of the series. He finished with 25 points, while teammate Russell Westbrook tossed in 28 of his own.

In last year's run to the NBA title, Dallas trailed in a series just once when Miami took the first game of the NBA finals.

Game Time: Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT from Oklahoma City.
TV Coverage: Televised coverage can be found nationally on TNT.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Thunder Vs. Mavericks: Scott Brooks Calls Out Rick Carlisle For Officiating Comments

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks have perhaps the most intriguing first round match-up in the 2012 NBA Playoffs. It’s the up-and-coming favorites against the defending champs. It’s old versus new and a clash of superstars with incredible experience against those forging the beginnings of all-time greatness right now. Given the recent history between the two, it’s also a bit of a soap opera.

The latest chapter comes from Rick Carlisle, head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, who called out the officiating in the first game. The Thunder won by one point, but Carlisle made sure to point out the consistent fouls he believed were committed against Dirk Nowitzki. Thunder head coach Scott Brooks responded with a yawn.

“Might as well just go back to your quotes in 2011, he said the same thing,” Brooks said Sunday, referring to last season’s Western Conference finals series.

“They average 20 free throws a game and they shot (25),” he continued. “We average 27, we shot 20. If you’re going to get into that I think you’re taking away what NBA basketball is about. You play your game, you do it as hard as you can and you live with the results. You guys can’t be sucked into that. That’s what he does.”

Thunder center Kendrick Perkins backed up his coach.

“I mean they average 20 free throws for the season and they shot (25) last night, so they shot (five) more free throws than us so it ain’t really nothing to complain about,” Perkins said. “We just tried to make him play in a crowd and be physical with him a little.”

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The Mavs try to even the series tomorrow in game two.

VIDEO: Kevin Durant's Game-Winning Shot Versus The Dallas Mavericks Is A Thing Of Beauty

Thunder Vs. Mavericks Final Score: Kevin Durant Saves The Day In 99-98 Win

Kevin Durant's jumper with just 1.5 seconds remaining prevented an upset from a spirited Dallas Mavericks team and delivered a 99-98 win to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

Durant and company trailed by seven points with just over two minutes remaining thanks to a personal 7-1 run from the Maverick's Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk scored 11 of his 25 points in the game's final five minutes and had the Mavericks in position to pull the upset.

Durant however hit a free throw line jumper over Shawn Marion that hit the front rim and then bounced off the backboard before falling through the net. Dallas was out of timeouts and were unable to advance the ball so they failed to get a shot off at the buzzer.

Russell Westbrook led the way for the Thunder scoring 28 points and adding five assists. Durant finished with 25 point on 10 of 27 shooting. Serge Ibaka gave the Thunder 22 points, six boards and five blocks while James Harden returned from the Ron Artest elbow to score 19 off the bench.

Nowitzki's 25 points led the way for Dallas. Jason Terry hit 8 of 10 shots off the bench to finish with 20 points. Shawn Marion added 17 points and eight rebounds while Vince Carter finished with 13 and seven off the bench.

Game 2 of this series is scheduled for Monday night with an 8:30 p.m. CT tip off.

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Thunder Vs. Mavericks Halftime Score: Oklahoma City Trails Dallas 51-48

The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a battle against the Dallas Mavericks and trail 51-48 at the half. The Thunder are having issues with their bench scoring as they only have 10 points all coming from James Harden who scored them all in the second half.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Thunder Vs. Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki Taking Chill Approach To Postseason

Dirk Nowitzki is apparently as chill as a cucumber or some other lame analogy. As the defending champion Dallas Mavericks get ready to start their series tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder in round one of the NBA Playoffs, the team's star and likely future Hall of Famer had some interesting words when asked about defending the title: "We'll see what happens."

Dirk on another run in the Playoffs: "We’ll just see what happens, let it all hang out."

— Bryan Gutierrez (@BallinWithBryan) April 28, 2012

Whether his nonchalance will help the team keep cool in the face of staunch competition remains to be seen, but the series is guaranteed to be a competitive, entertaining one with so many stars involved. It's the rise of the dynamic, young franchise against the defending champs. Dirk has to be only one calm about this series.

For more on the Oklahoma City Thunder, be sure to check out Welcome to Loud City and join the discussion. For more on the Dallas Mavericks, check out Mavs Moneyball. For more on the 2012 NBA Playoffs, check out the SB Nation NBA hubpage.

James Harden Promises Not To Be Hesitant Versus Mavericks

The Oklahoma City Thunder need James Harden to achieve their championship dreams. That, is a fact.

Following the colossal elbow that Harden received from the Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace last week, Harden was ruled out with a concussion and the symptoms that come along with it. With concussions, some people cannot get back on the court as quickly as they'd like to, but Harden's health has been deemed okay by the team's doctors. Harden's focus is "not hesitating" when he gets back on the court, and be the same player he was prior to Elbow-gate.

Harden's first game back in action will be on Saturday night, as the Dallas Mavericks prepare to defend their NBA title as the West's No. 7 seed. This is the rematch of last year's Western Conference Finals, and if the Thunder's third-leading scorer has anything to say about it, they won't be defending that title too much longer.

For more on the Oklahoma City Thunder, be sure to check out Welcome to Loud City and join the discussion. For more on the Dallas Mavericks, check out Mavs Moneyball. For more on the 2012 NBA Playoffs, check out the SB Nation NBA hubpage.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Thunder Vs. Mavericks Game 1: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder open up the 2012 NBA Playoffs at home on Saturday night against the Dallas Mavericks.