Thunder Could Put Warriors in Big Hole With Game 2 Win
The NBA Western Conference best of seven finals will tip off Game 2 between the host Golden State Warriors and visiting Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. The current line has Golden State favored by 8.5 points with the over/under sitting on 221.5.
Oklahoma City started Game 1 slow, but came back from an early deficit and won to take home court advantage from Golden State leading into Game 2. The Thunder was down 13 points at the half and could not defend the backcourt duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for the Warriors.
The Thunder’s defense came up big during the fourth quarter forcing Golden State to shoot 6 for 23 in the quarter including just 1 for 10 from 3-point territory. In the fourth, Curry and Thompson combined for just three points.
Oklahoma City was able to play fine on the road during their semifinals series with San Antonio as they won two games on San Antonio’s home court. The Thunder repeated that in Game 1 at Oracle Arena and could take a commanding lead with another upset in Game 2.
Russell Westbrook the Thunder’s All-Star point guard scored 19 points during the third quarter of Game 1 to reduce the halftime deficit of 13 to just three. Kevin Durant suffered from shooting woes most of the game but hit a jump late that put the icing on the cake.
In Game 1, Golden State lacked patience offensively during the fourth quarter taking too many early shots before setting up the offense. Draymond Green the Warriors small forward said the team’s preparation would not change heading in Game 2.
The Curry and Thompson backcourt duo will have to leave Game 1 behind them and try to offset the offensive display of Westbrook and Durant with their own.
This season, including the regular season and thus far in the playoffs, Golden State has not lost two consecutive games.
Golden State center Andrew Bogut started Game 1 but played only 17 minutes. He did not play during the final quarter.
Oklahoma City center Steve Adams and power forward Serge Ibaka combined to scored 27 points and grab 23 rebounds in Tuesday’s Game 1.
Curry has scored at least one 3-point basket in 45 straight games during the playoffs, which is an NBA record.
Prediction: Golden State will come out strong following its loss in Game 1. However, Oklahoma City will keep it close. Lean toward a straight up win by Golden State, but an Oklahoma City cover.
