Thunder isn't as experienced as Mavericks, but they're younger

[Dulce]

Thunder isn't as experienced as Mavericks, but they're younger
Posted Friday, May. 04, 2012


The experience that was such an advantage for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA playoffs has become old age.

The youth of the Oklahoma City Thunder that was such a problem in their Western Conference Finals series against the Mavericks is now a distinct advantage. This is how one year, and a few points, can dramatically change perception.

The Mavericks were the oldest collection of old guys to ever win a title last year, and in just one year they are too old?

"At this level, at this time of year, age is a plus. Experience is something that counts," Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha said. "But at the same time we want to keep running and getting some easy baskets."

The average age of the Dallas Mavericks is 30.33, the oldest in the league.

The Thunder's average age is 25.8 years, 23rd in the league. The Mavericks feature seven players with at least 10 years of NBA experience; four of them start, and two are key contributors off the bench. The Thunder has two players with 10 years of NBA experience, but only one of whom plays -- guard Derek Fisher.

It's the very fine line of being young, but having enough playoff experience where a team isn't naïve and exploited by the old guys.

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