The Warriors didn’t play their best basketball on opening night, however they were still able to protect their home court against an under man Thunder team
By Justin Batiste
Last night, on opening night of the 2018-2019 regular season, the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder concluded the night with an exciting but also interesting game. This game remained close throughout the night with both teams making a number of immense shots that kept their respective teams in the game. But what made this game so interesting is that the Thunder were without one of their marquee players, Russell Westbrook, and they were still able to contend with the Warriors. The Thunder performing this well without Westbrook makes you ponder on what could’ve happened if the Thunder would’ve had Westbrook on the floor.
With that being said, the Warriors also didn’t play their best basketball either. The Warriors shot 26.9% from the three-point line, accumulated 29 fouls to the Thunder’s 21 and turned the ball over a gruesome 20 times. The Thunder, however couldn’t capitalized on the Warriors fouling them or on the insane amount of turnovers.
The Thunder shot 64.9% from the free throw line, and scored 15 points off the Warriors 20 turnovers. Meanwhile, the Warriors shot 94.4% from the free throw line, and scored 19 points off the Thunder’s 15 turnovers. Although, the Warriors are known to be one of the leagues premiere defensive teams, the third quarter was where the Warriors subsided on the defensive end, which allowed the Thunder to stay in the game.
But because of the passing and rebounding of the Warriors, they were able to vacate Oracle arena with a win. The Warriors ability to find each other and screen defenders is incredible. The Warriors have exceptional one-on-one players, but most of their scoring came from screening and transition baskets last night. On ball screens, stagger screens, pin downs and flex screens. One of the Warriors favorite screen plays is when the wing player passes the ball to the post from the wing, then the wing player will screen for the top player at the top of the key, and finally the post will pass to the top player or wing player for a three. Or they’ll run a stagger for Klay Thompson.
Cutting and penetrating to the basket is another efficient way for why the Warriors won last night. The Warriors outscored the Thunder 58 points to 34 points in the paint, along with rebounding. The Warriors dominated the defensive boards and sealed the game with a couple of offensive rebounds by Kevin Durant and Kevon Looney. When it was winning time in the fourth quarter the Warriors increased their play, which is why they are currently the best team in the NBA. This was only day one of a lengthy NBA season with so much more to come. Next, the Warriors will play on Friday at 9:30 central time against the Utah Jazz, in Utah, the Thunder will also play on Friday at 9:30 central time against the Los Angeles Clippers, in Los Angeles.
