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OKC Thunder need to beware of the wounded Golden State Warriors

By Matthew Hallett

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 27: Eric Paschall #7 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 27, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 27: Eric Paschall #7 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 27, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Keys to the game.

As discussed on the previous slide, the OKC Thunder needs to be better on the glass. They have let key offensive rebounds got back to the opposition at key moments. In the game against the San Antonio Spurs, the Thunder were outrebounded 47-31. Yes, in a game where Steven Adams played the Thunder was minus 16.

The Thunder have to team rebound. Without Russell Westbrook, opposition teams are putting two and three bodies in the way of Adams and not letting him get near the boards. Floor spacing is not just on offense. If the main rebounding threat is neutralized, the rest of the team needs to step up so fewer bodies are there to stop Adams.

The second key to the game is the perimeter defense. The Warriors have enjoyed a perimeter offense with the likes of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. However, even without these guys, the younger Warriors are in the “put it up” mentality. Without the pressure of having to win, they are making the shots.

The key matchup of the night is going to be the battle between point guards Chris Paul and D’Angelo Russell. If Paul is able to get the better of Russell, the young Warriors will not get into their offensive sets effectively. Notably, Russell scored 52 points in the loss to the Blazers.

If the Warriors are unable to start their offense until later in the shot clock, this will play into the hands of the defensive minded OKC Thunder, especially on the second night of a back to back.

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