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Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors: Game 4 live scores, blog

24th May, 2016
Tip-off: 11:00am (AEST)
Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City
TV: Live on ESPN
Online: NBA League Pass
Betting: Golden State Warriors $1.83, Oklahoma City Thunder $2.00
Game 1: Warriors 102 defeated by Thunder 108
Game 2: Warriors 118 defeat Thunder 91
Game 3: Thunder 133 defeat Thunder 105
Steph Curry had an off night, hitting no threes for the first time in 157 games. (Source: Wiki Commons)
Roar Guru
24th May, 2016
101
3342 Reads

Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals is the crucial game of the series as the Golden State Warriors attempt to win back home court advantage against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Join The Roar from 11am (AEST) for live scores and coverage.

Golden State were simply not ready for the Thunder in Game 3 as they suffered a 133-105 loss. OKC took the game right to them and dictated the contest from the outset.

Unfortunately for the Warriors, everything they tried to do to get back into the game worked favourably for the Thunder.

The Warriors have played with phenomenal pace all season, but it has been pace with purpose. This was completely lacking in Game 3.

When they began to fall behind in the second quarter the Warriors began to rush things taking quick, ill-advised shots that the Thunder bigs gladly gobbled up. Oklahoma out-rebounded the Warriors by 14 on the night and these led to 29 fast break points for the Thunder, compared to 13.

Practically every missed Warrior shot ended up in the hands of Russell Westbrook who channelled Usain Bolt in getting down the court and attacked before any defence was set.

Westbrook ended up just two rebounds shy of a triple-double with 30 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. His running mate, Kevin Durant, ended with 33 points, eight rebounds and three blocks plus being an incredibly efficient 10 of 15 from the floor and 12 of 12 from the line.

Their opposite stars did not fare so well. Stephen Curry had 24 points but only on 7 of 17 shooting and Klay Thompson similarly disappointing 8 of 19. This might not be terrible for some, but for a team that relies on these two to make shots, they need to do better.

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Draymond Green was a complete non-factor and if anything a liability. Green made some unwise decisions to say the least and he’s lucky to be playing after kicking Steven Adams in the groin.

While Westbrook and Durant were impressive as always, it was a whole team contribution that sealed it. With Andre Roberson hitting threes, Dion Waiters attacking the paint, Adams’ strong defence and Serge Ibaka defending and running the floor finishing everything he was given.

The Warriors’ best player in Game 3 was Andre Iguodala. He played with poise, used what the defence gave and made smart plays.

The whole Warriors team need to emulate that in Game 4 and they simply can’t allow the Thunder to dictate the pace or they will be heading back home down 3-1.

Prediction
You can’t count the Warriors out, but I have to pick the Thunder again. They’re playing with a chip on their shoulder – they don’t want to be overlooked out west any longer and have the talent to back it up.

Thunder by 4.

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