Golden State Warriors vs. OKC Thunder: What We Learned

The Golden State Warriors defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in their first matchup. What did we learn?

The Golden State Warriors are better than the Oklahoma City Thunder. This was obvious the first time the teams played.

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Even though the game finished relatively close, it was obvious the Warriors were better. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson shot 2-15 on three point attempts and the Warriors still won by eight. If anybody expects the Warriors to struggle from three like this again, they don’t watch the NBA.

The Thunder might be the biggest threat to the Warriors in the Western Conference because of the two stars they have. Kevin Durant goes off against the Warriors and Russell Westbrook usually has a game where he’s incredible. Durant went off for 40 points and 14 rebounds in the first matchup. It’s possible he does this again but it won’t matter.

The Thunder’s style will cause the Warriors some problems, but ultimately it won’t make a difference. The Warriors bench and team concept will win out, just like it did in the first matchup. Westbrook and Durant play one-on-one basketball and don’t include their role players whereas the Warriors play gorgeous basketball, with ball movement, ball movement, ball movement.

Whenever Westbrook goes against an elite point guard he goes into hero mode. He tries to outplay the opposing guard instead of running his team’s offense. Knowing that Curry is on the other side will make Westbrook even more aggressive and, potentially, get out of control.

The Warriors don’t need to do anything different than the first matchup. They are a better team than the Thunder. The Warriors understand Durant is unstoppable when he’s rolling, but also realize that he and Westbrook alone can’t beat them. The Warriors also understand the Thunders defense is average at best and should have no worries scoring 115 or more against them.

This game is next on the Warriors list of “statement games”. Whenever the Warriors have been in these kinds of games they’ve showed everybody they are the best team in the NBA. The Thunder are going to come at the Warriors not only because the Warriors are the best in the NBA, but also because they are at home and coming off a loss.

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The Warriors are in for a tough game. Even though they are better than the Thunder, it doesn’t matter. The last game on any road trip is difficult because you’ve been on the road for so long. This is the seventh and last game on the Warriors extended road trip. If they can get by the Thunder on Saturday then they have a great chance to break the Chicago Bulls record.

Expect fireworks on Saturday.