No Splash Zone: Thunder Dominate Warriors in Fourth to Take 1-0 Series Lead

Throughout the Thunder’s resilient series win over the Spurs in the West semis, OKC was able to shed the fourth quarter woes that plagued them all season by finishing games strong. And in the Thunder’s 108-102 Game 1 win over the Warriors, it was OKC who flexed its muscles the fiercest in the final frame.

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While things ended on a positive note for the Thunder, it took a bit for the road team to get in a rhythm inside of a sold out Oracle Arena.

Just like they did throughout most of their historical season, the Warriors came roaring out of the gates, and took a 13-point lead into halftime behind 50 percent shooting from the field and hitting 7-of-13 three-point attempts. But instead of crumbling with a huge deficit to make up, the Thunder was able to regroup at intermission and get down to business in the second half.

After totaling only three points on 1-of-8 shooting in the first two quarters, Russell Westbrook decided to put the entire Thunder team on his shoulders in the third. Westbrook got things rolling by assisting an Andre Roberson 3-pointer to raise the shooting guard’s confidence, and then it seemed like things began falling into place for OKC. With the Thunder down 68-58, Westbrook drained a deep 3-pointer to open the floodgates, hit a pair of free throws, and then swished another money ball on back-to-back-to-back possessions to suddenly bring the Thunder within two points.

Even though the Warriors made another run to get back up by 12 points, it was Westbrook who once again was ready with a response. OKC’s terrorizing point guard hit two free throws, and then picked off a Golden State pass that he finished in the fast break with a dunk as he scored 15 straight points for OKC.

Westbrook’s relentless charge continued throughout the rest of the frame, as the Thunder was able to get within three points at the end of the quarter once Kevin Durant scooped in a beautiful layup. Westbrook totaled 19 points in the third quarter alone as he personally breathed life back into the team.

While Durant’s layup to close the quarter was nice, his game-tying 3-pointer to open the fourth quarter was even bigger. Dion Waiters finished a tough layup on OKC’s next possession to give the Thunder its first lead since the score was 10-9.

OKC continued to build separation, and Westbrook—despite falling on the floor— was able to give OKC a 101-93 lead when he connected with Adams for a beautiful assist on a hook shot.

While the OKC lead was great, Golden State is a phenomenal team for a reason, and Steph Curry and friends weren’t going away quietly. Curry drained a 3-pointer, Draymond Green finished a strong layup and Harrison Barnes scored in the post to bring the Warriors within 101-100.

But Adams then hit a pair of extremely clutch free throws, and Durant drilled a dagger jumper with 30 seconds to put the Thunder up five. Andre Iguodala scored a layup on the next possession, but Westbrook hit three free throws down the stretch to seal the game.

Westbrook led all scorers in the game with 27 points to go with his 12 assists, six rebounds and seven steals. Durant added 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Adams continued his incredible play with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Serge Ibaka also had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds while Waiters added 10 points off the bench.

Curry led the Warriors with 26 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, but his seven turnovers were a game-high. Klay Thompson had a huge game with 25 points and nine rebounds while Draymond Green finished with 23 points. Golden State shot 6-for-23 from the field in the final frame and only hit 1-of-10 shots from deep.

Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night at 8 p.m.