Special to the AmNews
The NBA Eastern and Western Conference Finals have, thus far, defied expectations. The Toronto Raptors’ surprising wins at home, tying their series, were quite unexpected, as well as the Golden State Warriors being blown out by the Oklahoma City Thunder at home in the Golden State.
Not to underestimate the Thunder’s talent and ability, or to overstate Golden State’s dominance, but you would expect more from an intact Warrior team, the defending champions who have won 73 and lost only 9 times during the regular season, unless they’re beat-up or bored with winning.
In the case of Golden State, they’ve gone cold. Their three-point scoring is down. They’re missing free throws. Their shots are being contested. They’re not getting stops, calls or second chance shots, and they’re throwing the ball away.
“OKC is long. We can’t keep trying to throw the ball over them,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
Golden State gave up 72 points by halftime in both Games 3 and 4. They’ve stopped playing like a premier defensive team. They allowed Russell Westbrook a triple double, 36 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, while also keeping his teammates productive in the game.
OKC has been more aggressive, mentally tough. Stephen Curry’s three-point shooting has declined. Golden State’s bench has been stifled. The team has had to work for their shots. Except for Clay Thompson’s 19 straight points in the third quarter of Tuesday night’s game, Game 4, the city has been shutting down the state. Only Thompson scored more than 20 points.
The defending champs return home to Oakland for their game tonight, Thursday, for Game 5, down 3-1. They have a two-game losing streak for the first time this season. They were held to 94 points Tuesday and now face elimination. The pressure is on their backs.
“It’s all or nothing,” said Warriors’ forward Draymond Green, who narrowly escaped a suspension for kicking opponent Steven Adams in the groin during an offensive play in Game 3.
“I gotta be better in Game 5,” he said. True that, because there will be no Game 6 Saturday in Oklahoma if Golden State doesn’t play a near perfect game tonight.
