The second-round series will be headlined by the matchup of the two MVP finalists. Both Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic are the head of the snake for their respective offenses. They’re both top-five players this season. How each does will largely decide how this series plays out.
If Gilgeous-Alexander can be an efficient 30-point scorer, that should boost OKC’s odds of advancing past the second round. In four games this season, the 25-year-old averaged 22 points on 52% shooting against Dallas. Those numbers need to jump in this playoff series.
Against the Pelicans, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 27.3 points on 48% shooting. This should indicate that he can return to his efficient 30-plus points against the Mavericks, who don’t possess the perimeter defenders New Orleans does.
Meanwhile, Doncic — like he does the rest of the league — cooked the Thunder in both games he played against them this season. He averaged 34 points on 56% shooting. The 25-year-old will get his numbers against OKC regardless.
Dort can cause trouble, but there’s only so much he can do against arguably the best iso-scorer in the league. The Thunder will have to counter this with their franchise star putting up monster numbers against Dallas.
