2016 West Finals: Thunder outwork sloppy Warriors, take commanding 3-1 series lead
[1] Golden State Warriors 94-118 [3] Oklahoma City Thunder [Oklahoma City leads series 3-1]
Kevin Durant plays a monster game recording a box score of 26 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks) while Russell Westbrook registered a triple-double of 36 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists to help the Thunder hand the defending champions their first back to back loss of the season. All five OKC starters finished in double figures with Andre Roberson chipping in with a handy double double of 17 points, 11 rebounds to go along with his 5 steals and 3 assists.
Right from the tip-off, the Thunder played with intent and determination, making the first quarter of Game 4 a lot similar to the second half of Game 3. This game was a blowout by the Thunder but equal credit was must be given to the sloppy offense and miserable defense of the Warriors.
Other than an 11-2 run to end the first period, the Warriors showed no life in this game despite being blown out by 28 in the previous game. Klay Thompson did get hot in the third quarter, scoring 19 points (6 of 8) over a seven-minute stretch but none of his teammates chipped in and the Thunder kept answering jab for jab. Golden State now head home to the Bay for Game 5 with their backs against the wall and on the brink of elimination.
Oracle Arena, home of the Warriors, is one of the loudest there is in the NBA but as per the history books, things don't look so good for the defending champions. Here’s a stat that proves that:
Teams to take a 3-1 series lead in the Conference Finals are 37-2 in those series. 20 of those 37 teams closed out the series in 5 games.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 25, 2016
Oklahoma City already had a rebounding advantage in this series even before the first whistle blew, means that the Warriors are just digging their own grave by committing unforced turnovers, 21 of them. To make matters worse these are coming off their two best players, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green combined for 12 of the team’s 21 turnovers. Green’s play in the last two games has been a huge cause for concern because of how it affects the play of the whole team.
According to NBA’s +/- stats, Green is a combined -73 for the Warriors in Games 3 & 4. He’s 2 of 16 from the field and has twice as many turnovers (10) as assists (5). Curry hasn’t been playing too well either especially Game 4. Golden State got outscored by 19 when Curry was on the floor and his six turnovers didn’t help.
Game 5 will be played at Oracle Arena in San Francisco on Thursday.
This dime by Center Steven Adams is front runner for Assist of the Night: