Dallas Mavericks guards Luka Doncic (77) and Kyrie Irving (2). Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Seven-time All-Star backs Mavericks to make conference finals

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 5/7/24

The Dallas Mavericks will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs. Both teams harbor dreams of making the NBA Finals and are led by an MVP candidate. However, one of those teams' seasons will be coming to an end after this series.

According to Tracy McGrady, the Mavericks are the favorites to advance to the conference finals. He believes the duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will be enough to see them past the Thunder.

"If I had to give the edge, I think I'm gonna ride with Dallas," McGrady said. "Only because of experience. Kyrie has won a championship. Luka has taken a team without Kyrie to the Western Conference Finals. I just think that experience will kick in. And I think those two guys will live up to the moment."

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The Thunder have been a dominant team this year. They finished the regular season as the first seed in a loaded Western Conference. They play at a pace that is difficult to stop and even harder to match.

Nevertheless, Dallas will have the advantage of having the best player in the series on its roster. Irving will be the third-best player in that series, too.

Jason Kidd's team looked solid when facing the L.A. Clippers. The Thunder will pose a different test. Nevertheless, the addition of P.J. Washington at the Feb. 8 trade deadline appears to have improved the team's overall defense and the balance of the roster. His size and scoring give the Mavericks another dimension.

As McGrady noted, the Mavericks are the more experienced roster. Doncic and Irving have both tasted deep playoff runs before. They know what it takes to win at the highest level. The Thunder are still learning those lessons. This postseason run is a learning experience for Oklahoma City.

It makes sense for Dallas to have the edge coming into this series. Whether the Thunder can jump out to a quick lead and take control of their destiny will remain to be seen. However, for now, Doncic's presence will ensure Dallas is expected to make the conference finals.

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