Golden State Warriors Make History in Win over OKC

Final. 106. 149. 121. 41

Twenty four hours after their monumental collapse against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Oklahoma City Thunder flew into Oracle Arena to take on the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors prevailed for the third time this season, defeating the Thunder 121-106, tying the 1995-96 Chicago Bull’s home winning streak record.

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This was the third meeting between the two teams and their last matchup set the Internet and the basketball world on fire. Stephen Curry‘s historic night and jaw-dropping game-winner broke OKC’s heart as he danced on their home floor.

Right from the tip, Draymond Green got himself to the free throw line, drawing a quick foul. They would be two of just four free throws the Warriors would shoot in the entire first half. Struggling as of late, the Thunder tried to come out with energy, controlling the pace and attacking the paint. Kevin Durant led all scorers with 11 points and 4 rebounds, shooting five free throws in the opening period.

The Warriors had less attempts than Thunder makes from the charity stripe so they tried to push the ball in transition. Golden State outscored OKC 4-0 in fast break points and earned 12 points from beyond the arc. After setting a record in their last matchup, Curry started 0-2 from deep and then decided to attack the paint, leaving Durant and Russell Westbrook in the dust. He dropped 10 first quarter points on 4/8 shooting. Despite surprisingly tough Thunder defense in stretches, Golden State won the quarter 29-28.

The second quarter was a much more up-tempo affair as both teams fired away. Marreese Speights, who has played better as of late, hit consecutive jumpers including a three-pointer that had the whole bench excited. Unfortunately for Golden State, Speights’ offense doesn’t quite make up for his lack of defensive and rebounding shortcomings. Enes Kanter was able to get on the offensive glass and give Oklahoma City put backs on multiple positions. The Warriors managed to outscore OKC in the period 34-33.

The Thunder came out of the halftime locker room re-energized, going on a quick run to erase Golden State’s lead. They were able to get some easy baskets and forced Steve Kerr to call a timeout. Klay Thompson drove the ball on a fast break and tried to throw it down, but Serge Ibaka met him at the top and rejected him. On the other end, Westbrook tried to push, but missed a layup and fell down hard on his side. He was slow to get up. but he was able to stay in the game.

Speights continued his solid play and improved on the glass. He grabbed a rebound and threw a laser touchdown pass to a streaking Green who got a wide open dunk that pleased Oracle Arena. For much of the period, the Warriors looked up court and tried to start the break with the pass as soon as they secured defensive rebounds. The Warriors had the last shot of the quarter, but Curry missed two opportunities and Golden State lost 22-19.