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The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Oracle Arena to take on the Golden State Warriors with the hope of avenging last week’s devastating loss at the buzzer. Join The Roar from 2:30pm (AEDT) for live scores.
Stephen Curry sent the internet into a frenzy when he sunk OKC with a three-pointer launched from barely inside halfway.
It equalled the NBA record of 12 threes in a game, added one more to his record-breaking tally of 288 on the season, and most importantly secured Golden State a 121-118 overtime win.
The most amazing thing though was despite all the hysteria, nobody seemed that surprised. It’s par for the course these days to be amazed by what Curry and his Warrior teammates can do.
They will be looking to create some more magic in this third and final regular-season contest against the Thunder, however they might have to do so without their ultimate magician.
Curry rolled his ankle in a collision with Russell Westbrook and had to sit out the game against Atlanta (another overtime win). Compounding this, last season’s Finals MVP Andre Iguodala also missed the Hawks’ visit with a hamstring problem. The Warriors have given no clear indication of whether either will play.
Oklahoma City boast two legitimate superstars in Kevin Durant and Westbrook, plus a strong supporting cast highlighted by the interior presence of Serge Ibaka.
There teams have the most potent offences in the league, scoring over 115 and 110 points per game respectively. They can both score in bunches, but the Warriors are clearly the stronger team defensively.
Over the last month Oklahoma has posted a defensive rating of 109.4, to rank 22nd out of 30 teams – far too low for a title contender.
If the Warriors are without Curry, the game’s most prolific scorer, and Iguodala, a valuable contributor in his own right, then OKC’s suspect defence may have a chance.
There’s no doubt the Thunder have been in a slump, losing five of their last seven contests, including yesterday against the Clippers, but they are desperate to break that trend.
Despite his 37 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in their last match-up, Durant won’t be happy with his performance against the Warriors. He committed the foul at the end of regulation to allow Golden State to tie, missed his own game-winning attempt, and fouled out in overtime; look for him to atone for these errors.
This game has playoff implications, and will be a big confidence boost for the winner – yes, even the Warriors. Expect lots of points, some highlight-reel moments, and a post-season atmosphere.
For the sake of the game you would hope Curry and Iguodala are available, but the Warriors may be conservative with such important players. If they’re out the Thunder’s chances dramatically increase.
Prediction
Call me crazy, but Oklahoma City by 2. This is their desperation game; they win this to get the momentum rolling all the way to May
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