J.J. Barea, Dallas Mavericks Stumble Against OKC Thunder

DALLAS, TX - MAY 19: Jose Juan Barea #11 of the Dallas Mavericks goes up for a shot in the lane against the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 19, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) (2011 Getty Images)

J.J. Barea and the Dallas Mavericks have a fight on their hands against the Oklahoma City Thunder, unlike their dominating sweep against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Thunder have already done what the two-time champions couldn't against the Mavs – they won a game. OKC beat Dallas Thursday in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals, 106-100.

The backups for the Thunder outplayed the Mavericks' reserves. In Game 1, Dallas' reserves outscored Oklahoma City's 53-22. In Game 2, the Thunder won the battle of the backups 50-29.

"Their reserves came out swinging and really took it to us," said Dirk Nowitzki. "We were never really ready for their reserves."

Like the Eastern Conference finals, the series is essentially starting over as it moves to a new site.

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These teams are only going about 200 miles up Interstate 35 for Game 3 on Saturday night.

"It should be fun back at our place," said OKC star forward Kevin Durant.

Barea, for his part, scored 11 points with three assists in 15 minutes. He did not turn the ball over.

Game 3 is Saturday night in Oklahoma City.

Based on reporting by The Associated Press.