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

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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NBA Playoffs
OAKLAND, CA – MAY 26: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball during game against the Houston Rockets during Game Six of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 26, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Game 6 remix

Warriors guard Klay Thompson had yet another dazzling performance in this years Conference Finals. Thunder Nation remembers Thompson’s Game 6 outburst in the 2016 playoffs as if it took place two day’s ago rather than two years ago.

In Game 6 against OKC Thompson erupted for 41 on 14-31 shooting, including 11 of 18 from three. Watching Thompson against the Rockets was like deja vu as the splash brother dropped 35 on 13 of 23 shooting including 9 of 14 from three.

After Game 6, Durant and Steph Curry were asked about their splash siblings performance both players played coy when the question was posed.

As per the above video beginning at 1:54 of video the pair respond to the question:

"‘Next question.’ – Durant , ‘I think we both blocked that year out of our memory.’ – Curry*followed by laughing"

That is what Curry and KD said about it, hence they were very mum. Draymond Green who is by far one of the biggest loudmouths in the NBA was equally tight-lipped. During the presentation of the Western Conference Finals trophy, Ernie Johnson asked Green if their series against Houston was their hardest path to the finals or was it the OKC series: This is how Green responded:

"‘Uh, we don’t speak of that OKC series, our guy is right here.’ – Green (as per above video at 3:18)"

More from Thunderous Intentions

Green tilted his head towards KD as Durant was giving the universal hand gesture to wrap it up. When the Cavaliers defeated the Warriors, Green infamously texted Durant from the locker room after Game 7.

My stance on the OKC Thunder’s Game 6 has remained the same, I do not think a professional athlete especially an NBA player given their salary would intentionally throw a game.

However, I believe KD did not try as hard as he could have in that particular game. Durant’s subsequent comments and the Warriors comments this post-season further reinforced my thoughts.

In conclusion, Game 6 is in the past and perhaps someday Thunder Nation can move past it as well. The 2018 Finals are upon us, prediction time, Warriors in five.