Is the matchup with Russell Westbrook wearing on him?
Advertisement
Oklahoma City represents the toughest foe Golden State has faced in its run over these past two seasons.
Then there are the nights like one he had Tuesday when Westbrook can overwhelm an opponent with his talent and ferocious attitude.
Oklahoma City Thunder bench reacts during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. But he is unlikely to be able to consistently drive past these two, particularly Westbrook who is the longer and more athletic point guard.
While the Warriors lost by 28 points to fall 2-1 in the series, it really didn’t even feel that close. “We kept battling and fighting”.
“We got what we deserved”, Kerr told reporters. Of course, that’s just his opinion. “As a coach, you sit there and have great respect and admiration for someone who plays that hard and gives to the game and to his teammates what he gives”. The Warriors surrendered early and pulled their starters with just over three minutes left. I’m assimilating, mate, still trying to figure out the boundaries.
Serge Ibaka and Dion Waiters also had an impact on the game, combining for 27 points. Stephen Curry has not shown his offensive bursts consistently thus far in the series and neither has Klay Thompson. Harrison Barnes posted 11 points in the loss.
Down 2-1 in the Western Conference finals, the Golden State Warriors could take another hit before Game 4. Against a big strong team like OKC, his size and versatility is more important than in either of those two previous series.
“We’ve got a physical team, an athletic team and we tried to use that to the best of our ability”, Westbrook said. The Thunder have the champs in the middle of the ring and they’re teeing off on them now – jab, jab and roundhouse rights leaving the Warriors bloody, bowed and on the brink. “We have an opportunity to do that on Thursday, so we’re excited about that”.
Here in the playoffs, the trend of responding well to losses continues for the Warriors, who are 3-0 this postseason following a defeat.
Durant and Westbrook were a combined 12-for-12 from the line in the first half. “We’ve got to move on to the next game”. “Just try and be aggressive”. The Thunder went after Green possession after possession, playing with vengeance that gave them a spring in their step to help embarrass the runner-up in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.
When made aware of Green’s comments, Westbrook fired back. That included Adams getting to a loose ball outside the 3-point arc and firing a fastball pass to Roberson under the goal for a layup. Oklahoma City had six players hit double-digit scoring and only committed 12 turnovers. He scored 6 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, dished out 2 assists, and turned the ball over 6 times.
The Thunder led 72-53 at halftime, matching their franchise record for first-half points for a second straight game.
Advertisement
CITY-Every shoulder was slumped and every facial expression was frozen, glazed, dazed and weighed down by so many invisible things.
