After losing big the first game against San Antonio, Thunder fans and NBA fans in general were disappointed for many reasons. Kevin Durant was struggling to make a difference in the game, and Russell Westbrook was consistently inconsistent, with his wild shot attempts and lack of passes. The fans were sad to see a team of talented players lose so big at this high of a mark. Since then, the Thunder turned on their jets and began playing basketball at the most exciting level we have seen from any team this season. Keep in mind this season was the season where the Warriors were practically unbeatable and wreaked havoc on any team with their shooting skills. But the Thunder didn't decide to just play with excitement, they started playing basketball with balls. That means you would see Westbrook launch himself through the Spurs defense, Ibaka make a big difference with his short jump-shots, and Durant sink jumpers like his 2013/14 self. With this type of play they managed to beat Kawhi Leonard and the Spurs, leaving fans stunned. People knew it would be a good series, but after the 32-point Game 1 loss, most hope was diminished, and when the Thunder managed to break the Spurs it was truly something to see.
Now against the Warriors the Thunder have still been grinding like they did against the Spurs, and they even pulled off that impressive Game 1 victory. After losing drearily in Game 2, they again rebounded and played at an even more impressive rate. In this game the Warriors could not make their shots. Which after one of the most impressive team performances ever was pretty surprising. This just made it easier for the riled up Thunder, who began to build a 10-point lead with 9 minutes left in the 2nd quarter to a 25-point lead at the half. Then the TNT analysts thought that the Warriors should come out with a chip on their shoulder and keep on trying to punish the Warriors using their strengths. When they finally came out, the best team in the league's performance could be described in one word: Lousy.
The Thunder did not stop playing their star players until 7 minutes into the 4th quarter, when they took out Westbrook and Durant. By that time they were mercilessly dominating the Warriors with a 35+ point lead, seemingly hitting every shot they took. The Warriors however could still not find their shooting power and shot at 41.3% by the end of the game. Durant showed he was still the star player the OKC fans thought he was with 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. One of the blocks stopping Warriors player Draymond Green who had been given a lot of attention before the game, mostly about the fact that he memorized every player drafted before him in order, just adding to his cockiness. Green also kicked Stephen Adams for the second time this series, and was given a flagrant foul 1. That only enforce the target that was already on his head, except now they were shooting at it with machine guns. Westbrook put up an equally impressive 30 points, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds. Meanwhile on the Warriors NBA MVP Steph Curry only had 24 points, and Draymond Green only had 6 points, and his team was outscored by 43 when he was on the court. The lead was extended to 40 at one point in the 4th quarter, and stayed near the 30+ point margin.
Thunder 133 - Warriors 105
If the Thunder keep up this effort and play, not only do they have the Warriors beaten, but the NBA title in reach.
--KSP--
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