Russell Westbrook scored on a drive and Kevin Durant scored seven consecutive points, and all of a sudden Oklahoma City was back within 90-86 with 1:40 to play.
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A special, record-setting season saved for the defending champs, with a memorable comeback added to the long list of accomplishments.
League MVP Steph Curry led all scorers with 36 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Klay Thompson, who had a Yoda-socks-inspired 41 point performance in Game 6, contributed 21 points and 5 rebounds in the conference-clinching effort.
The Thunder’s loss snapped a streak of 42 consecutive 3-games-to-1 leads converted into victories in the Conference Finals or later. This time the refs called a double foul, with Golden State possession. Oklahoma City shot just 38.2 percent from the field and made only seven of its 27 3-point attempts. They tied it on Curry’s 3 at 7:21 and he followed with another 3 to give his team the lead.
Thompson and teammate Stephen Curry both entered the game in striking distance of the record of 28 that was previously held by Dennis Scott and Ray Allen. While the Thunder understand the difficulties of winning Game 7 on the road, they have all the chance in the world having the two of the best players in the National Basketball Association in their roster.
As was the case in Game 6, when Oklahoma City led 53-48 at halftime, the Thunder controlled the pace and the paint in the first half yet let the Warriors stay within range. The Thunder couldn’t maintain it. They’ll take on the Cavaliers in a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals. Warriors coach Steve Kerr elected to insert SF Andre Iguodala in place of SF Harrison Barnes in the starting lineup after earlier telling reporters, “I have made 11 alterations to the game plan, none of which I will share with you.”… Durant took nine shots in the first 33:25….
The Warriors trailed by as many as 13 points in the first half thanks to a brutal offensive start in which they looked slow and tight. The Warriors may have the advantage but the Thunder have the ability to topple their opponents. Thunder coach Billy Donovan celebrated his 51st birthday….
I will admit when I’m wrong, and I was losing hope for the Golden State Warriors.
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The Warriors won this game on the strength of their 3-point shooting.
