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NBA Playoffs: 3 lessons OKC Thunder learned from Western Conference Finals

By Alex Mcewen

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 24: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets grabs his leg after falling against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter of Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 24: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets grabs his leg after falling against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter of Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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As the NBA Playoffs reach the championship round, the OKC Thunder can learn valuable lessons from the Western Conference Finals.

The NBA Western Conference Finals concluded on May, 28th, while the NBA Eastern Conference Finals concluded on May, 27th. Both series took seven games to decide.

Many firsts were witnessed in the 2018 Conference Finals. Historical deficits were overcome, an astronomical number of threes were taken and missed and both teams won Game 7 on the road. Last but not least, with the Warriors and Cavaliers fourth consecutive finals meeting it marks the first time this has occurred in any of the four major sports.

The OKC Thunder bowed out of the playoffs over a month ago, yet the Conference Finals still affected the team. The team can sympathize with the Rockets and Chris Paul due to OKC suffering several post-season injuries themselves.

The Golden State Warriors played coy when asked to reminisce about Klay Thompson‘s Game 6 performance against the OKC Thunder in the 2016 playoffs.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the Conference Finals was the amount of missed threes. OKC Thunder players and coaches alike should take note of the poor shooting display. Both Game 7’s highlighted how the three ball can derail a team.

With that, let’s examine each takeaway a little closer.

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