Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Five takeaways from the Thunder’s dominant win against the Warriors

By Tony Heim

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - NOVEMBER 22: Russell Westbrook #0 of the OKC Thunder reacts as his team takes a commanding lead against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on November 22, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - NOVEMBER 22: Russell Westbrook #0 of the OKC Thunder reacts as his team takes a commanding lead against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on November 22, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – NOVEMBER 22: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder blocks Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on November 22, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – NOVEMBER 22: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder blocks Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on November 22, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

OKC is specifically built to play with the Warriors

We knew this was the case going into the season, but seeing it actually play out on the court was wonderful. The Thunder have the exact weapons you need to beat the Warriors: two elite wing defenders, multiple superstar-level offensive weapons, athleticism across all five positions. Oklahoma City’s biggest faults consequently don’t show up when playing Golden State: lack of a secondary interior presence, inability to play a slower pace.

The penultimate example for this is the Lowkey MVP himself, Andre Roberson. The 24-year old played in 32 minutes for only the second time this season. His defense was a major reason why Klay Thompson only scored 9 points on 12 shots, why Kevin Durant was never able to find a consistent rhythm throughout the night.

The Warriors are the only team in the NBA that requires two All-NBA level perimeter defenders – the Thunder are the only team in the NBA that fits that mold. Roberson isn’t necessary against any other team in the league, but to get past Golden State they absolutely need his talents.

This goes beyond Andre though.

Steven Adams once again proved to be the Warriors-killer that we saw in the 2016 Western Conference Finals. Unless Golden State wants to play Zaza Pachulia more then 12 minutes (they don’t), there’s nobody on the roster who can match his size and strength. What separates Adams is his mobility.

The Big Kiwi can run with the Thunder in transition, he can shut down passing lanes even when he’s on the perimeter. OKC made the conscious decision to not switch-everything with Adams, allowing him to hedge on screens and get back to his man before the Warriors could make an entry pass.

Don’t get it twisted – the Warriors are still light years ahead of the Thunder. Last night simply showcased the problems that Oklahoma City, and only Oklahoma City, can give Golden State.

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