Game day preview analyzes the final regular season match between the OKC Thunder and Golden State Warriors.
The hyperbole surrounding this final season series game between the OKC Thunder and the Golden State Warriors has waned. With Kevin Durant out injured there simply isn’t the same hoopla.
A short handed Warriors team should be considered great news, especially since the Thunder are on a 5-game win streak. However, for Thunder fans the absence of Kevin Durant takes a bit of sheen off the match. Regardless, continuing the streak, especially against this team would make the win sweeter.
And while the Thunder are on fire the Warriors are prime for the picking having played .500 ball in their past 10 games. Durant has missed the past nine games and is expected to remain out until next month.
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Chemistry Class:
During the 5-game win streak it’s apparent this retooled squad OKC Thunder has seemingly discovered a successful chemistry. The big gains have been experienced on the offensive side of the court. Specifically, since the All-Star Break (and trade) the OKC Thunder have vaulted from 21st offensively to a top five rank. On the defensive end there has a been a slight dip, but with Gibson in the starting lineup there is reason to believe the squads 6 spot defensive slip can be rediscovered with more time spent together.
Westbrook has been on a terror of late registering 4 triple doubles in-a-row. In the last outing versus the Kings, he came up two rebounds shy of making it 5-in-a-row.
This is the ideal time for the Thunder to be clicking as they head down the stretch. With the 5-game win streak they sit a half game back of the Clippers (with a game in hand) and a half game ahead of the Grizzlies. In order to gain a home court seed they would need to make up the 3-game padding the Jazz have on them.
Russell Westbrook is doing his part, having dialed up the superlatives to add further credence to his MVP campaign. Regardless of whether the squad finish 7th or 4th, the fact OKC are even in this conversation is shocking.
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The Grudge Match:
Though the Warriors lead he season series 3-0 and Kevin Durant remains out , there is that little matter of Zaza Pachulia to address. Though the Dubs center didn’t play in the teams last match, the prior meeting resulted in the punking of Westbrook. Keep an eye to see if Westbrook gets even tonight, which in Russ terms likely means repeated drives to the basket for dunks and dump offs to embarrass Zaza.
Triple-Double Watch:
Russell Westbrook went on a rampage this past week extending his triple-double record to 34. With 13 games remaining he’ll need 7 more to tie Oscar Robertson’s All-Time record of 41 in a season or 8 to surpass him.
Through 69 games Westbrook has totals of 2,185 points, 725 rebounds and 714 assists. To average a triple-double on the season Westbrook must collect 820 in each category.
With 13 games remaining he needs another 95 rebounds and 106 assists. That translates into averages of 7.3 rebounds and 8.51 assists. With nine of the OKC Thunder remaining games versus sub .500 teams and six at Chesapeake the odds look good for Westbrook to finish the season with the triple-double average.
All season Westbrook has been clear to point out winning is the priority. Still, from a personal perspective it sure would be great to see him rip off seven in a row and complete the averages prior to the final game. But, don’t be surprised if this comes down to the final game of the season, which would be fitting to add to the drama.
Keys to Winning:
Capitalize on Durant-less Warriors:
Without Kevin Durant the Warriors haven’t looked like the “super” team they are. This point punctuated by absence of frontcourt depth, so OKC should look to attack the Warriors with their bigs.
Rebounding:
The Thunder hold a huge advantage over the Warriors on the boards. Without Durant this edge widens. Look for Donovan to have his Thunder crashing the boards with a view to pushing the ball up court in transition.
Intangibles:
Despite the Warriors being short handed one super start they will still be looking for the sweep. The Thunder need to counter via effort. aggression and energy. No doubt the OKC Thunder fans will be doing their part as a win (even without Durant playing) would be almost as satisfying.
Focus on the task not the team:
As much as the bad feelings remain for Westbrook and fans it’s important the OKC Thunder remember to focus on the matter at hand. Although a win over the Warriors carries an unequaled satisfaction extending the win streak to hunt down the Clippers and Jazz is the priority.
Rotations:
Presumed OKC Thunder Starters:
Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard: Victor Oladipo
Small Forward: Andre Roberson
Power Forward: Taj Gibson
Center: Steven Adams
OKC Thunder Reserves:
Guards: Norris Cole, Semaj Christon
Wings: Doug McDermott, Alex Abrines, Jerami Grant, Kyle Singler, Josh Huestis
Bigs: Enes Kanter, Domantas Sabonis, Nick Collison
Golden State Warriors Starters:
Point Guard: Stephen Curry
Shooting Guard: Klay Thompson
Small Forward: Patrick McCaw
Power Forward: Draymond Green
Center: Zaza Pachulia
Golden State Warriors Reserves:
Point Guard: Shaun Livingston, Briante Weber
Shooting Guard: Matt Barnes, Ian Clark
Small Forward: Andre ‘Iguodala, Kevon Looney, James Michael McAdoo
Power Forward: David West
Center: JaVale McGee
Injuries: Kevin Durant is projected to be out until the start of the month.
Game Specifics:
More from Thunderous Intentions
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- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Recent History:
The Thunder hold the all-time record 16-15 but the Warriors have won 9 of the past 10 games.
Fan Data:
The Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The Tip: 7:00 PM CT (8:00 EST)
TV: TNT (National)
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC / 930AM (ESP)
The Line:
Given the Warriors recent mediocrity (5-5 in past 10 games) it is a little surprisingly the odds makers lean toward the top seeded Warriors as 2 point favorites with an over-under of 221 points.