Oklahoma City Thunder 108 — Golden State Warriors 102
OKC Thunder lead series 1-0.
Here’s the thing which has to scare Steve Kerr to death, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook went a combined 17-51 from the field on Monday night at Oracle, yet his team lost by six points at home.
Let’s be candid here, OKC’s two superstars in no way brought their ‘A’ games to Oracle for Game 1, only bits and pieces in the second half, but that was enough on the road as OKC shook off a horrible first half to overcome a 60-47 halftime deficit and claim that coveted road playoff win.
But since OKC is now 5-1 on the road in these playoffs and Billy Donovan in no way seems all that impressed with the coaching of Rick Carlisle, Gregg Popovich, and now Steve Kerr is it selfish to suggest a two game road sweep to start and end this series simultaneously.
Maybe not. Because when it mattered most this new Thunder seemed collected, cool, and calm in the fourth period instead of the choking version we saw in the regular season. Something has happened to this Thunder. Something magical. Fourth quarter leads are holding up. The tough calls are going their way. But maybe, just maybe, they got tired of playing dumb basketball. They’ve grown up as a unit. Gotten better.
OKC was hideous in this first half. It appeared Kevin Durant couldn’t throw a ball six feet to an open teammate or make a wide open shot. Russell Westbrook only made one field goal in the half. They turned the ball over eight times. OKC did the unthinkable in getting beaten on the boards by the smaller Warriors. They missed their free throws. It was here we go again.
But then a calm came over the arena in the second half. Russell Westbrook starting making some shots. Kevin Durant quit throwing the ball away to strangers in street clothes on the first row. Slowly, but surely the game turned and the Thunder gave themselves a chance to win Game 1.
Ignoring the fact Westbrook was 7-21 shooting the ball, he was otherwise magnificent with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists, and 7 steals. Plus, he played defense. Nineteen of Westbrook’s points came in the third period when in fact the Thunder inverted the game on the Warriors.
Russell Westbrook is my No. 1 Star of the Game, but Steven Adams wasn’t far behind. It was the same Steven Adams we’ve seen since Game 2 of the Spurs series.
Adams was superb. I feel ashamed I ever questioned his hair. 16 points, 12 rebounds, six straight made free throws, and maybe the play of the game late when he grabbed a loose ball, got fouled, and then made two clutch free throws to expand the OKC lead.
In reality, all of the Thunder played fairly well, except for Durant. I expect more from Kevin Durant than this. I’m not trying be be snarky, but I expect a cleaner game than this. But this is why Steve Kerr should be concerned, Kevin Durant played poorly for the most part and probably has a big Game 2 lurking–just a hunch.
Dion Waiters was excellent again. Ibaka was solid–I’m not sure he roared like a lion, but he was good enough.. Roberson had nice moments. Kanter was decent. Foye functional. Only eight Thunder players played and Billy D played it just right.
OKC has its road split. Mission accomplished. No matter what happens in Game 2 on Wednesday–the Thunder now have home court advantage and at the least a plausible road map to a six game series win over the Warriors.
But if you’re competitive…. you know, I know, and Kevin Durant knows if he brings his ‘A’ game to Oracle on Wednesday night his Thunder could give the defending champion Warriors a standing eight count with a Game 2 road win.
Don’t laugh, this new Thunder wins late and they win on the road.
Mike Jackson