Former Thunder Buddy Kevin Durant and his new team the Golden State Warriors defeated the OKC Thunder 121-100 at Oracle.
The OKC Thunder hung really tough in the first half, causing havoc to the tune of 13 Golden State turnovers. They also gave the Warriors fits off the ball, making it exceedingly difficult for them to move. Victor Oladipo (20 points on 8-17 from the floor) got off to a hot start defensively with 3 steals in the first three minutes or so.
Dipo paled in comparison to the start Enes Kanter had for the Thunder. Kanter, who finished with 22 points (11-18 shooting) and 9 rebounds; had 10 points and 4 boards in his first five minutes on the floor. Quite the difference from the last time OKC played Golden State when Kanter only played three minutes.
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Russell Westbrook notched his 21st triple-double of the season behind 27 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists. Unfortunately, it’s worth noting that Russell’s efficiency from the field has regressed back to the mean after a super efficient start of the season from the floor. Tonight was no different, as Russ shot 8-23 from the floor and only 1-6 from deep. But, he did this…
Russell Westbrook throws it down and stares down Kevin Durant! 🔥👀
Russell Westbrook explodes for vicious dunk, stares down Kevin Durant, KD answers with a 3 on the other end pic.twitter.com/9Uxsb5ZAXZ
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) January 19, 2017
Unfortunately, Russ will also be making an appearance on Shaqtin a Fool and Not Top Ten this week after this baffling brain cramp:
What was Russell Westbrook thinking when he did this. 😂
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Although OKC entered the second half tied, Former Thunder Buddy Kevin Durant took over in the third, putting up a magnificent display against his former team. KD would finish with 40 points on an ultra efficient 13-16 from the floor.
Wait a minute. I nearly forgot about the fake All-Star Zaza and the punk play he pulled at the end of the half.
Anyway, the OKC Thunder only managed to turn the Warriors over 5 times in the second half. Despite playing aggressive defense throughout the evening, Golden State was still able to shoot over 55% from the field and from deep. Coupled with a sudden lack of turnovers, and the OKC Thunder were down 15 in the blink of an eye.
Also, the OKC Thunder managed to turnover the ball 19 times themselves, which is unacceptable against any team. Even worse, Golden State was able to capitalize on OKC turnovers, scoring an obscene 29 points off OKC turnovers. OKC was also unable to keep up in transition, losing that battle 29-12.
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Bottom line: Despite getting blown out in the second half, the Thunder do not have much to be ashamed about from this loss. There were a lot of positives to take away from the game.
For example, the Thunder are the third youngest team in the NBA and they were able to play the best team in the league to a tie after the first half. And, they did it without Steven Adams, their best rim protector and someone that could give Golden State fits on offense.
OKC drops to 25-19 and remain in the 7th seed in the West after the loss.
The Thunder have the weekend off before another tough inter-divisional match on Monday, January 23rd, with the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.