OKC Thunder versus Warriors preview: Part Deux
Four days ago these same teams met with the OKC Thunder jumping out to an early lead over the Golden State Warriors. When the final buzzer sounded though the Dubs remained unbeaten and Thunder remained winless.
Much has changed since that game as the Thunder collected their first win versus the Lakers while the Warriors finally lost (to the Grizzlies in an overtime match). Those results mean only one team is still unbeaten (Jazz) and one winless (Pistons).
They’ll tip off again tonight, this time on the Warriors’ home floor at the Chase Center. To suggest the outcome will be any different would be naive. After all, the Thunder are seeking a prime position in the lottery and the Warriors will undoubtedly be seeking to start a new winning streak as they seek a prime playoff berth.
This is the first of a three-game road trip for the Thunder that will move to the Staples Center next with matches versus the Clippers and Lakers.
OKC Thunder vs Golden State Warriors preview – part Deux
Given these teams just played on Tuesday, there isn’t much new to offer from the original preview. The teams have only played one additional match each since that game and therefore the strategies aren’t drastically different.
In the Warriors’ loss to the Grizzlies, they fell prey to not maintaining pressure through the full 48 minutes coughing up their 19 point lead. The match went to overtime where the Grizzlies outscored the Warriors six to three to end the Dubs’ unbeaten streak.
While Curry served up 36 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists he failed to score in the fourth quarter or overtime going 0 for 6 in that time frame.
As for the Thunder, they made history with the largest comeback on record in the franchise annuls erasing a 26 point deficit to the Lakers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rediscovered his perimeter accuracy nailing repeated 3-pointers to lift OKC to the victory. He finished with 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and hit five 3-pointers.
Rookie Josh Giddey registered his first career double-double (18 points, 10 assists) while Darius Bazley had his best game of the season (20 points, four rebounds, two assists, four steals, and a block).