NBA
The Warriors Silence The Thunder 110-88 in OKC
This was the third meeting of the season between the Warriors and Thunder. The last time these two bitter rivals met was in November. The Warriors were a different team during that match up. They were without Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins. Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson led the unit back in November, however, they were severely undermanned. The end result was the Thunder downed the Warriors 123-95.
This time around things was different. Curry, Cousins, and Green were all active, although they have been forced to play their last two games without arguably the best player on their roster. Kevin Durant suffered an ankle injury during their loss to the Phoenix Suns last Sunday. Coach Steve Kerr considers that defeat the worst of the season for his squad. This served as a major eye-opener for the Warriors and has helped them to refocus.
The Warriors were in complete control from beginning to end last evening. They also limited Russell Westbrook to a season-low seven points! Not only that, a frustrated Westbrook earned yet another technical bringing his season total to 16. Westbrook will be suspended for the Thunder’s next game versus the Heat. The Warriors are currently on a two-game win streak by defeating the Thunder 110-88 in Oklahoma City.
Warriors Prepare to Welcome Back KD and Bogut but Lose Boogie
Steph Curry put the Thunder on notice right out the gates. The first basket of the game came when Curry sank his first three-pointer. Curry would go 5-12 from three and lead the way with 33 points. Klay Thompson continues to prove that he can do more than just knock down threes. Thompson received an assist from his accomplice Andre Iguodala and proceeded to commit an assault on the rim with a nasty dunk. The victim, in this case, was the Thunder center, Steven Adams. Thompson would finish with 23 points and poured in three 3-pointers just for kicks and giggles.
While we are on the subject of three-pointers, Draymond Green reminded us that he can still be efficient from beyond the arc. Green had a rare multiple three-point performance. He finished 3-4 from downtown. Green did not neglect his teammates in the process. He dished out six assists and pulled down eight boards. The biggest storyline of this game involved DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins. Unfortunately, not for his ever-improving abilities on the court (12 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists) but for the fact that he left the game in the fourth quarter with a sore ankle. Coach Kerr maintains that this is just a minor setback, and Cousins won’t have to miss a lengthy period of time from the court.
KD and Andrew Bogut’s Return is on the Horizon
On a positive note, the Warriors will have two friendly faces returning. Kevin Durant is scheduled to be reinserted into the Warriors starting lineup tomorrow against the Spurs. Due to Boogie’s injury, Andrew Bogut’s return to Golden State has been sped up. Rather than waiting until Thursday, he will receive minutes most likely in a limited role tomorrow evening. Bogut was recently named the MVP of Australia’s National Basketball League, averaging a double-double per game. The Warriors are hoping that Bogut will add some stability to their defense and serve as a formidable opponent against the Spurs Jakob Poeltl.
Will This Back to Back be Double Trouble for The Warriors?
Next up for the Warriors is a back-to-back against the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota T’Wolves. They have picked up two big victories consecutively on the road during their last big road trip of the regular season. Will they continue to remain focused and trend in a positive direction? Or will they slip up against the red hot sixth place Spurs who are currently on an eight-game winning streak? Tune in to find out!
Written by Todd Smith
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