Oklahoma City Thunder 118 – Golden State Warriors 94
OKC leads series 3-1, Game 5 in Oakland on Thursday
Should I even mention Draymond Green or just say thanks to NBA league officials on behalf of the Thunder for allowing him to play tonight? I don’t want to be an internet punk, but there’s a human life lesson to be learned here. When you act like a punk there’s this force in the universe some call karma which usually rears it’s ugly head at some point.
For the second game in a row Draymond Green was horrific… as in historically bad as far as NBA post season play goes. In these two games Green went 2-16 from the field, turned the ball over ten times, and was a mind boggling bad -73 in the two blowout losses.
Here’s the thing, I actually like how Draymond Green plays, but can’t stand when he goes into punk mode. He crossed the line, his coach and the league should have told him these things, but they didn’t. That’s on Steve Kerr and the NBA league office, but as Draymond Green moves forward more so as a human being than a basketball player one would hope he takes something from this experience and grows up a little.
End of lecture.
For the second straight game, OKC’s Thunder pretty much did what they wanted to with the Golden State Warriors by (1) pounding the Warriors on the boards to the tune of 56-40, (2) making for the most part intelligent ball decisions, (3) hounding Steph Curry into a 6-20 shooting night.
Oh, and one other thing, for the second straight game a guy by the name of Russell Westbrook was not only the best point guard on the floor, but the best player on the floor. That’s a pretty strong statement considering Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson were on the floor as well, but it’s one I feel should be made.
Russell Westbrook tripled doubled with 36 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. His decision making was masterful and over the course of this game it was Westbrook who drove the Thunder to their second straight win over the Warriors and third in the last four games. This marks the only time this season the Warriors have lost back to back games.
Durant was excellent as well scoring when needed, but what I’ve really liked about Durant of late has been his defense and rebounding accountability. Or more to the point–his leadership.
I’m tired of listening to Marv Albert on the TNT telecasts. Seriously tired of it. Give these two guys their credit and this comes from a guy (me) who’s been on their asses all season long about leadership on this blog of mine.
Durant and Westbrook have been fabulous. This is special to watch not only if you’re a Thunder fan, but as a fan or historian of the NBA game. They’ve taken their games to the next level and done it against the Spurs and Warriors.
OKC has now won seven of its last nine games against the Spurs and Warriors–and in not one of those game were they a Vegas favorite at home or on the road.
Think about that as far as elevation of play at the goal achieving portion of the season when it matters most.
All five Thunder starters scored in double figures and Dion Waiters chipped in with ten points as well. Ibaka came out with energy and played well. Andre Roberson cut and moved without the ball to score 17 points. Steven Adams continued making winning plays, especially the baseball pass to Roberson for a layup.
Give Billy Donovan another nod as he went small once again and it payed huge dividends as the Thunder outscored the Warriors 46-20 with the smaller lineup.
OKC is now one game removed from knocking out the Spurs and Warriors in successive series. The road map to the NBA Finals is intact, but given what we’ve seen who’s to say the Thunder don’t end it in five games on Thursday in Oakland.
That would be the ultimate redemption for a Thunder team which is healthy for the first time in post season since the James Harden trade. It would be fitting the Thunder end the Warriors’ one year reign as league champions on their home floor and leave nothing to the imagination of a Warrior comeback in this series.
I’m sure the Warriors will play with desperation, but the same things will apply for OKC on Thursday night in Oakland for a series ending road win.
Win the boards, make smart ball decisions, hound Steph Curry for his space and time…and advance.
Mike Jackson