3: Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena on November 22nd
Expect many “Cupcake” chants in this one.
The Warriors make their first trip to Oklahoma City in the 2017-2018 season. This will be the third trip back to Oklahoma City for former Thunder star Kevin Durant and his first trip as an NBA Champion and the Finals MVP.
Durant’s return to OKC as a newly crowned NBA Champion will be the biggest storyline in the game, but it will also be the Warriors first look at a new Thunder team with the acquisition of superstar Paul George.
George will be expected to play the role that Durant had when he was with the Thunder and now we will see how that dynamic between him and point guard Russell Westbrook will come out to be. George will be coming off pindowns and other actions that Durant had when he played with Westbrook.
This game will be not only important for Durant but also for the whole team and how they can help him through this hostile environment. Others such as Stephen Curry, Thompson and Green will have to step up and help make Durant feel more comfortable than the previous time he played against his former team at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
The first meeting between the Warriors and Thunder will offer the perspective of how the Warriors matchup with the Thunder and this early season tilt can help the Warriors if they were to meet the Thunder in the playoffs.