It’ll be interesting to see which identity is able to better sustain success once the postseason is here. Throw in the possibility of a rematch in the NBA Finals, and how either team adjusts away from its identity could be the difference between winning it all or being disappointed by season’s end.

This early January matchup could very easily be a preview for what is to come in June. With the Boston Celtics and the OKC Thunder having the top-two odds when it comes to winning the NBA Finals, this game will lay the groundwork for what is to come.

It's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder against Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night at American Airlines Center.