Thunder Cause for Pause

Originally Published: Dec 28, 2010 10:0 AM CDT

I worry that one of the reasons the Thunder has been so good this season will ultimately be its playoff downfall. And, we may have seen a glimpse of it on Monday night.

OKC leads the NBA in free throws attempted and free throws made. They have the best free throw percentage in the league by a wide margin. Getting to the line has been a major part of their offense. No problem there.

But Mondays loss to the Mavs was officiated much like a playoff game. They let them play. Physical. No free throw attempts for the Thunder in the final nine minutes. Their normal source for points was cut off. The refs had a flight to catch. Thats post-season basketball. You dont get calls. Nobody does. The Mavs shot ZERO free throws in the 4th, but they embraced the physicality. They took advantage of it.