OKC gives Warriors their fourth straight loss in a row
By Justin Batiste
Last night, the Oklahoma City Thunder went on to give the Golden State Warriors their fourth straight loss in a row. The last time the Warriors lost four games in a row, it was in 2013. OKC was simply the better team last night. OKC shot the ball better, rebounded better and they defended better than the Warriors, defeating the Warriors in two of three defensive categories, defensive rebounds and steals.
Offensively, OKC had five players finish the game in double figures (Paul George (25), Russell Westbrook (11), Jerami Grant (14), Steven Adams (20) and Dennis Schroder (32). Back up point guard, Shchroder, had a game high, 32 points, on 12 of 19 shooting. Shchroder isn’t known for his three-point shooting, however, last night he was highly efficient from three, shooting 5-6 from beyond the arc. As a team, OKC was solid from the three-point line, a place where the Warriors struggled from. Last night, OKC shot 37.1% to the Warriors 24.1%. Most of OKC’s three point makes occurred in transition, an area where OKC is best at. OKC out scored the Warriors 24 to 16 in fast break points. Part of OKC’s fast break points was due to their defensive activity. OKC looked dialed in the whole game, and their stats revealed it. OKC was constantly getting into the Warriors passing lanes, which is why OKC finished the game with more steals than the Warriors (10-7).
Although Durant had 27 points, Durant had to work for all 27. OKC defended Durant and the Warriors well last night by not allowing them to get too much air space on their jump shots or open lane drives. Second chance points also depleted the Warriors. OKC dismantled the Warriors on the offensive glass (18-7). OKC had three players conclude the game with 10+ rebounds. Grant, Adams and Westbrook all had 11 rebounds each, for the game.
Offensively, OKC didn’t settle and on defense they didn’t allow anything easy for the Warriors. After a win over the Warriors last night, OKC will now improve to 11-6 and will host the Hornets (9-8) at 7:00 PM central time. The Warriors are now 12-7 and will be hosting the Blazers (12-6) tomorrow at 9:30 PM central time.
