It didn't look good for the defending champs last night in OKC. The unanimous NBA MVP Steph Curry struggled early from the field and it rubbed off on his teammates. The Warriors gave up 73 points in the first half and never got closer than 8 points in a 118-94 loss and trail the Western Conference Finals 3-1.
The Warriors looked out-matched and believe it or not, less athletic. It's clear, at this point, the OKC Thunder want it more and the Warriors are completely lost and have no idea how to respond. They haven't been challenged like this in two seasons. They don't have an answer for Russell Westbrook or Kevin Durant, and last night, they didn't have an answer for Andre Roberson either who contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Golden State will travel back home and look to force a Game 6. Oracle Arena and the Warrior faithful look to ignite their team who were ran out of the gym in consecutive games in Oklahoma City by 28 points in Game 3 and 24 points in Game 4. The first time the Warriors have lost consecutive games this season. They'll need much more from Draymond Green and fellow Splash Brother Klay Thompson. They'll also need to score in the paint and minimize their turnovers and get back to playing their style of basketball if they want to stand a chance.
For Billy Donovan and the Thunder, they don't want the pressure of having to fly back home for a Game 6, they don't need to fix anything. They're playing perfect basketball and defending and slowing down that #DubCity offense. Whatever scheme he's using, it's working to perfection. I'm sure a triple double from your PG never hurts but rest assured, with the Warriors facing elimination, Steve Kerr will get the best out of his team and it will make for a close game throughout like their OT matchup in the regular season. Make sure to tune in Thursday night on TNT at 8 PM CST. My prediction is the Warriors will force a Game 6 in OKC with a 107-101 victory.