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Game Day Preview: OKC Thunder look to celebrate Thanksgiving early vs. Warriors

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 20: Golden State Warriors Forward Draymond Green (23) and Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Russell Westbrook (0) in game on March 20, 2017, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena Oklahoma City, OK. (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 20: Golden State Warriors Forward Draymond Green (23) and Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Russell Westbrook (0) in game on March 20, 2017, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena Oklahoma City, OK. (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Capitalize on few advantages:

Golden State are the cream of the NBA crop. They’ve been toying with fans this season almost defying teams to take their best shot. In numerous games the Warriors have seemed un-enthused, almost going through the paces.

Against the Thunder it is unlikely the Warriors will play this cat and mouse game. This is a squad the Dubs want to punish and just like they got up for the Clippers and Spurs (the other teams they have an obvious desire to beat) they’ll be dialed in from the tip for this one.

Many felt coming into the season the Thunder could present the truest test for the Warriors. And despite OKC’s struggles there is reason to believe the pundits got this prediction right.  To wit, the few areas where the Warriors show weakness happen to be the areas the Thunder demonstrate strength.

Attack the paint:

Golden State allow opponents to score in the paint (ranked 23rd).  Looking back at the success the Celtics had versus the Dubs much of it was due to constantly attacking the paint.  OKC should have Paul George and Russell Westbrook driving as much as possible. Motion will also be key so look for Andre Roberson, Patrick Patterson and Jerami Grant to make lots of cuts to the basket. Further a steady diet of Steven Adams – Westbrook pick and roll should be on the menu.

Be aggressive – force turnovers:

The Warriors allow 13.2 points per game on the fast break (28th) and the Thunder score the sixth most fast break points (13.3).   Additionally the Warriors allow the third most turnovers (16.8) leading to 19.1 opponent points per game (ranked 25th). Meanwhile the Thunder rank first for points scored off turnovers (20.9) so capitalizing on that stat alone would give OKC a true opportunity.

Rebounds leading to second chance points:

A clear opportunity exists for the Thunder to utilize their third ranked defense and aggressiveness to get to lose balls and clean the glass. The Warriors allow the sixth most points scored off second chance opportunities (13.8) as well as the eighth most opponent points scored in the paint (45.6).

If the OKC Thunder can utilize their skills and deliver a full 48 minutes delivering on their strengths they will afford themselves a true shot at winning the match.

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