NBA: Westbrook’s rocket launch paves the way for OKC in Oakland

The Oklahoma City Thunder (31-24) set an exclamation point and won 125:105 at the Golden State Warriors (41-13). The champion had no response to a launch of Russell Westbrook’s rocket launch – although OKC suffered an early injury to Carmelo Anthony. Paul George scored like mad for it.

Thunder coach Billy Donovan caused a surprise by appointing Josh Huestis to the Starting Five. After Andre Roberson’s injury, OKC is still looking for the best lineup, while the Warriors didn’t have to make any changes.

The better start was nevertheless made by the guests from OKC. This was partly due to an outstanding defensive performance, which resulted in many ball wins or deflections – and partly to Russell Westbrook. The incumbent MVP was apparently on a mission and earned the Dubs 21 points in the first quarter alone (9/11 FG). All in all, the breathtaking first round went 42:30 to the Thunder. By the way, I didn’t let Kevin Durant loose and had already collected 17 points.

The second quarter began with bad news for OKC: Steven Adams collected his third early foul and scolded the bank. The situation then calmed down somewhat on the court. Since Westbrook got his break, the Dubs had better access. But they were not yet able to start one of their dreaded runs – at 57:70 they were behind for the break tea.

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After changing sides, the Thunder continued to keep the Warriors at bay. Westbrook had cooled down modestly, but Paul George kept taking responsibility and maintaining the lead. What’s more, since the Warriors had problems to create open throws, OKC even moved ahead to 24 points, with Durant holding out. Many Dubs ball losses caused Steve Kerr to despair. With 99:77 we went into the final section.

The strong PG-13 had his gigs in this band again. Among other things, he struck a difficult threesome on 102:81, choking the brief hope of the Warriors fans. As a result, Golden State was no longer able to make a decisive cutback. But Draymond Green took his second technical and was ejected.

Westbrook ended up with 34 points (13/26 FG), 9 rebounds and 9 assists, George hung up 38 points. Jerami Grant (16 points) also refuelled again and again. Top scorer of the Warriors was Durant with 33 points, Curry remained at 2/9 threesomes and 22 points.

There was a drop of bitterness for OKC: Carmelo Anthony injured his ankle early on and played only 6 minutes.

Warriors vs. Thunder: This way to the BOXSCORE!

Russell Westbrook. The MVP was brushed on riot – this already showed its provocative opening after winning the jumping ball. However, the fan’s booing only spurred him on: With his incredible energy, a first quarter laid down, from which the Warriors did not recover until the end. But it wasn’t enough for a triple double this time.

The Warriors Bank. Not much of the champion’s dreaded depth can be seen at the moment. Andre Iguodala was not an offensive factor, Kevon Looney played without self-confidence, David West was partially over-motivated. By the end of the third quarter the Second Unit had collected only 9 points, with OKC 22 points.

Billy Donovan had a large and physical line-up of Wesbrook, George, Jerami Grant, Patrick Patterson and Steven Adams in the third quarter, partly due to Anthony’s failure. In the offensive there were many mismatches. These were not primarily used for direct points – instead, Stephen Curry was deliberately involved in duels, which had a lot to do with it and was apparently fatiguing. Also on the other side of the parquet, the arrangement with the many long arms was effective: OKC managed to get the ball out of the hands of Steph and KD again and again.