Prior to Game 1 basketball observers should have expected a long 6 or 7 game series between Oklahoma City and Golden State. Yes Golden State has the 2x MVP in Stephen Curry who also doubles as the scoring champion and triples (literally) as the all time single season leader for made 3's breaking a record he set a season ago. Yes Golden State broke the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls single season record finishing the season 73-9 and are looking for back to back NBA titles. Oklahoma City went down in defeat during all 3 regular season games vs. the Dubs. However during the 2nd half during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals none of that mattered. Russell Westbrook scored 19 points in a critical 3rd quarter. Golden State saw their double digit lead be cut down to 3 entering the 4th quarter. Kevin Durant knocked down a 3 to begin the final period which tied the game. Oklahoma City was aided by 2nd chance points and a size advantage down low by Steven Adams and Enes Kanter. Late in the game down 3 Golden State pressured Westbrook who traveled prior to calling a timeout. The league is a day late and a dollar short confirming the officials indeed missed a traveling violation. Nonetheless prior to the miscall the game was there for the taking. The Thunder took it. Golden State and Oklahoma City will fight each other tooth and nail until their is a winner in Game 6 or Game 7. Finally if Oklahoma does win this series it won't be an 'upset'. It would mean the Thunder earned it's way to the NBA Finals vs. the 2 teams with the top records this season minus home court.
No comments:
Post a Comment