Three key matchups to watch in Game Two
By Tony Heim
How did OKC manage to take Game One in Golden State? To tell you the truth, I am still trying to figure that out. KD and Russ combined shot 33% on 51 shots while the team shot an uncharacteristic 68% from the line.
The mysteriousness of it all just adds to the intrigue of this series. Their role players converted on 56% from the field however; maybe the Thunder are finally living up to the level of talent they possess.
Going into Game Two I have highlighted three matchups that could give us a better indicator on how the Thunder were able to win Game One, and ultimately win this series.
Steven Adams vs. Andrew Bogut
Adams has been the hands-down MVP for OKC the last two series. He has been a monster on the boards, not to mention the personality that he brings to this team.
Bogut is similar to Adams in that their sole purpose is to be the physical presence down low. The difference, though, is that Adams is coming into his own as an offensive force in these playoffs. Now Billy Donovan isn’t running any plays for the New Zealander; his points have everything to do with his energy.
The Warriors center has never been known for his athleticism, and Adams highlighted that in Game One. The 22-year old dominated Bogut, who is 31 going on 45, to the tune of 16 points and 12 rebounds. Pair that double-double with a +/- of 19 and I’d say Steve Kerr is scratching his head trying to figure out how to limit Adams’ impact.
Russell Westbrook vs. Stephen Curry
Obviously the matchup of the two best point guards in the game are going to make this list. I was thrilled when the game tipped off and Donovan entrusted Westbrook to guard Curry. Andre Roberson is easily the best one-on-one defender on the Thunder roster, so why isn’t he guarding Curry? Easy: Donovan realizes the Chef is going to get his, so he made the conscious decision to try and take out Klay Thompson as much as possible.
Westbrook’s intensity had a noticeable effect on Curry down the stretch, leading to an “un-Curry” like 1-6 shooting in the fourth quarter AND a costly turnover with less than three minutes to go. Russ is one of the most athletic players in the NBA, and his style of play could continue to disrupt the two-time MVP.
On the other end of the floor, Westbrook made Curry look like a small child in the third quarter. Once he realized that Steph was just too slow, Russ’ killer instinct kicked in. Golden State is going to have to switch Steph off Westbrook or Russ will continue to penetrate the paint and get easy buckets for himself or Thunder bigs.
Billy Donovan vs. Steve Kerr
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Thunderous Intentions
Something happened in Oakland that we have not seen at virtually any point of the KD/Russ era: a coaching adjustment made the difference. I give Scott Brooks all the credit in the world for developing this young core into what it is today, but the man is just not a good coach.
OKC disappointed in the playoffs almost every year because Brooks did not 1) run a real offense or 2) make significant changes to the gameplan during an actual game. Brooks was notorious for sticking to this, and it truly limited the Thunder. In steps Billy Donovan, who coached a lot like Brooks in the regular season.
Ever since the drubbing that is Game One against San Antonio, Donovan has made a serious impact on this team. Everyone, EVEN KANTER, is listening to what he is preaching. Finally we see off-ball screens being set for KD to come off. Finally we see defensive rotations. Finally we see the most talented roster in the NBA playing like a team.
Now Kerr did not win Coach of the Year for nothing. Yeah the Warriors have an amazing roster, but he is the engine behind it all. Kerr will make adjustments and it is up to Donovan and his plethora of respected assistants to combat the mad genius on the other bench.