NBA Standings 2012: Mavericks Staring Conference Finals Rematch Vs. Thunder In Playoffs

The 2011 Western Conference Finals gave us a thrilling and scintillating matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the more experienced, efficient and savvy Mavericks won out over the young guns of the Thunder in five games, it was clear that these two teams would see each other again in the future.

That future is now. Well, technically in a few weeks, possibly.

The Thunder are in a dogfight with the San Antonio Spurs for the best record in the West. If the Spurs hang on to the top spot, then the Mavericks will have to take their talents to the Sooner State in a first round rematch. Which matchup do you like more, Thunder or Spurs?

Here are the standings out West with just one game remaining on the Mavericks schedule.

Mavericks Vs. Bulls Final Score: Dallas Lose To Chicago 93-83

The Mavericks nearly overcame a first quarter where they were outscored 31-8, but they ultimately lost to the Chicago Bulls 93-83. Luckily for the Mavericks they have already clinched a playoff spot and they are locked into the No. 7 seed.

Both Jason Terry and Jason Kidd sat out Saturday night's game to provide the two starters some rest for when the playoffs begin, and those two players effected the offense which played poorly Saturday night.

The offense for the Mavericks struggled on Saturday night by shooting only 39 percent from the field and 4-of-15 from thee-point range. Even with the poor shooting the Mavericks rallied in the fourth quarter and made it a two-point game with 4:30 left, but the Bulls ended the game going on a 15-7 run to win by 10 points.

Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks in scoring with 17 points.

For more on the Mavericks, be sure to check out Mavs Moneyball and for more on the Bulls check out Blog A Bull. For more insights and analysis on the NBA, check out the SB Nation's NBA hub.

Mavericks Vs. Bulls Halftime Score: Dallas Trail Chicago 44-38

The first quarter between the Dallas Mavericks and the Chicago Bulls was not going well for the Mavericks since they were outscored 31-8. The second quarter was a completely different story as the Mavericks slowly crawled back into this game and now trail the Bulls 44-38 at the half.

The Mavericks went on a 16-3 in the second quarter and made it a two-point game, but the Bulls responded to the Mavericks threat and did not allow them to get any closer than two points.

The offense for the Mavericks is playing very poor tonight and have made only 34 percent from the field but it has been able to keep it close by going 11-of-13 from the free throw line. Dirk Nowitzki is the only Dallas player in double figures with 12 points and the next closest is Delonte West who has six points.

Dallas will need to step up their offensive game if they are going to challenge the Bulls in the second half.

For more on the Mavericks, be sure to check out Mavs Moneyball and for more on the Bulls check out Blog A Bull. For more insights and analysis on the NBA, check out the SB Nation's NBA hub.

Mavericks Vs. Bulls Preview: Five Questions With Blog A Bull

We discuss our common rival in South Beach, Derrick Rose's injury status and how both teams are handling the last week of the regular season.

Brendan Wright Thoroughly Enjoyed Beating Up On His Former Team On Friday

Sometimes all you need is a little motivation.

Brandan Wright, the former lottery pick of the Golden State Warriors and now current member of the Dallas Mavericks, finally had the opportunity to face is former club. The 24-year old has been a major lift to an aging Mavs roster, and Friday night's performance proved that they might have something in the former North Carolina Tar Heel.

Wright finished with a career-high 16 points and 9 rebounds in the 104-94 Mavericks win. In full revenge mode, Wright relishes being undefeated versus his previous employer.

"It’s one of those situations that you want to play well against your former team," Wright said with a smile. "That’s all I can give you on that. You want to play well; you want to beat those guys. Since I got traded, I haven’t lost a game to them."

The Mavs will continue to lean on Wright with the playoffs on the horizon, up next for Dallas is the Chicago Bulls at 7:00 p.m. Central.

For more on the Mavericks, be sure to check out Mavs Moneyball and for more on the Bulls check out Blog A Bull. For more insights and analysis on the NBA, check out the SB Nation NBA hubpage.

Dallas Mavericks Vs. Chicago Bulls: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks head to Chicago on Saturday night to take on the Eastern Conference leading Bulls.