So here we are. The OKC Thunder’s moment of truth. As far as I’m concerned, there isn’t a Game 7 in this series for Oklahoma City. All the chips are in the middle of the table tonight for this game and the Western Conference Championship.
The Thunder want no part of a Game 7 in Oracle. The is the final stop on the Thunder’s roadmap to return to the NBA Finals to face Lebron for a second chance at an NBA Championship ring.
Before this series started, I made two different predictions. One with my head and one with my heart. My head picked the Warriors in Game 7, while my heart picked the Thunder in Game 6.
I’m going with my heart and the Thunder to win the series in Game 6 tonight.
I’ve watched Durant and Westbrook for eight years now. I’ve seen every game. Witnessed their journey from scrawny college kids to what they are now–two of the world’s five best players.
It literally has been a journey from then to now. Three different head coaches. Four Western Conference Championship Finals. One NBA Finals. Multiple scoring championships. One regular season MVP award. Several All-Star MVP awards. Eight seasons in Oklahoma City together. Everything in the trophy case except one thing—the O’Brien Trophy
This is the one award which has eluded Durant and Westbrook. Tonight we see if OKC can clear this final Golden State hurdle and advance to face LeBron and Company a second time in the NBA Finals.
Game 5 meant nothing when you really think about it. Advertising filler to sell Lincolns.
Back in OKC it should be a game where the whistles become more friendly once again for the Thunder. Where the Thunder’s role players play with confidence, and where the Warrior role players don’t play anything like they did in Games 2 & 5. The axiom is and always has been role players play better at home. This is what should happen tonight. More free throws and better play from OKC’s role players.
Vegas actually has OKC listed as a 2.5 favorite tonight after losing Game 5 by nine in Oakland.
From the point OKC eliminated the Spurs, this Game 6 is what the Thunder was hoping would be at stake on the floor of the Chesapeake Energy Arena on May 28th.
The legacy of Golden State’s 73 win regular season hangs in the balance as does Durant and Westbrook’s dual legacy of not yet having won a ring.
Historically– a lot at stake tonight.
But my heart wants to tell me it’s Durant and Westbrook’s time.