Starting tonight we are in store for classic mid-west battle between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder are just two days removed from putting an end to the magical run of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first game 7 of the 2011 NBA playoffs. The Dallas Mavericks have done just the opposite, they have been on a nine day layoff since sweeping the Lakers on May 8th.

This is the perfect scenario for both teams, the Mavs could use the time off with the age of their team and the Thunder are so young that playing almost every other day benefits their momentum. Let’s take a look at the keys to this series.

Which superstar will rise up?

Kevin Durant and Dirk Nowitzki have been the best players on their respective teams. Durant poured in 39 in his first ever game 7, this showed that he can thrive under the ultimate pressure of the playoffs. He did have some problems getting open against the Grizzlies though, or at least he did in the eyes of Russell Westbrook. The combo of Tony Allen and Sam Young did give Durant some fits, but he figured out how to get away from them when it mattered the most. Corey Brewer will give Durant some problems, but number 35 from OKC is too good to be held down for long.

On the flip side Nowitzki has been on fire, sorry Marv Albert, but there’s no other way to describe how he’s been shooting the ball, 50% from the field, he’s averaging 26.5 points in the playoffs. He has become unguardable throughout most of the game because of the soft touch on his fadeaway jumper. Serge Ibaka will have all he can handle and then some while trying to guard Dirk in this series. Ibaka is a fantastic shot blocker, on of the best in the NBA, however his one on one abilities aren’t as good and he may get put on an island throughout this series.

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Tags: Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Durant, NBA playoffs, Oklahome City Thunder, Western Conference Finals