But when a record-setting 73-victory team loses in the way the Golden State Warriors did yesterday, it must be asked if the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 133-105 trouncing of the defending champions in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals might psychologically be worth more than one win. They wilted under the relentless attacks of Kevin Durant (33 points), Russell Westbrook (30) and a supporting cast of players that seemed to make every shot it took.
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The game was still tied at 40-all when Oklahoma City went on a blistering 32-7 explosion in just a span of eight minutes.
Halfway through the second quarter with the Thunder holding an eight-point lead, Green kicked Steven Adams in the groin following a shot attempt, causing an outrage among the players and fans.
After a bad first half, Russell Westbrook scored 19 of his 27 points in the third quarter as Oklahoma City rallied to beat the Warriors 108-102.
The Warriors faced 2-1 deficits twice in last year’s playoffs and won each Game 4 by an average of 19 points.
Only Curry (24 points) and Klay Thompson (18 points) scored in double figures. It was a flawless storm of mistakes for Golden State that led to their Game 3 drubbing-one that won’t be repeated in Game 4. Yet their effort in Game 3 gives pause to wonder if they can once again.
The Warriors are down 2-1 and while Game 4 is not a must win, it’s close to it for the Warriors. “He just didn’t happen to catch me where I caught Steven Adams”.
Andre Roberson, who isn’t known for his shooting ability, outperformed the Splash Bros., shooting 3-5 from beyond the arc. Otherwise, there will be fewer opportunities for the Warriors to shoot those 3s and more opportunities for the Thunder in transition. One strategic choice may end up making OKC’s job more hard. Attempts to drive down the lane were nearly constant, and even though the high percentage shot is often preached, the Warriors couldn’t get a rain drop to fall.
“We got our butts kicked”, Kerr said just moments after mentioning Los Angeles’ famed 34-point Finals loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the 1985 National Basketball Association finals via Yahoo Sports. Golden State responded in Game 2 on Wednesday by handing Oklahoma City a 118-91 defeat.
The Warriors went all out on the offensive boards in Game 2, risking fast breaks by the Thunder.
Kerr said he needs Green at his best.
“When the shot goes up, you can’t be watching, looking for the rebound”, Golden State forward Draymond Green said. Losing that road game, they told me, “snatched the heart of Chef Curry and The Potcookers, and it was a blow that they won’t be able to recover from”. Green did not have a good game and was a non-factor. Hes just going to play, hes going to be himself, and well see what happens..
At the half, Durant led all scorers with 23 points and 6 rebounds, and Westbrook added 16 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. “We come back sharp the next game, and it’s a testament to everybody on this team”. “One thing I admire about Kevin is he’s very, very eager to learn and grow and get better”, Donovan said.
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“It definitely frustrated me”, Green said of the flagrant call for what he insisted was incidental contact.
