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.
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.
Lara
Guest
Dominate the boards, control the pace and make them shoot under pressure and the game is yours.....OKC are doing all of that, but still need one more and that is not easy against a team who can blow you alway in one quarter.
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Well isn't this quite the turn of events? The team everybody said were a lock to repeat as champions are one game away from elimination. OKC have just been better these last two games. Fun fact for you - OKC are the first team since the '87 Lakers to score 72 points in a half in consecutive playoff games. And the Thunder have competed with those Showtime Lakers for excitement the last two games. Warriors clearly haven't been themselves. Aside from Klay going off in the third he and Curry have been poor, particularly shooting the ball. Westbrook got his triple double with 36, 11, 11 and Durant chipped in 26 & 11. Draymond Green needs to sort himself out - if the Warriors are going to turn this series around they need him to play like his usual self. He is clearly suffereing because of Klay and Curry's poor performances. OKC have out-worked the Warriors. 50/50 balls go their way, they dive on the floor and crash the glass, Out rebounded GSW by 16 today after 14 last game. Apart from the first few minutes of the third they controlled the tempo of the game the whole way. Will be interesting to see what happens next game - be sure you tune into the Roar to find out. Catch you next time FINAl SCORE OKC - 118 GSW - 94
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Durnat may have just flopped - Speights makes the shot OKC - 114 GSW - 93 Q4 1.58
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Warriors letting this one go - Kerr has gone deep into his bench - always good to see Anderson Varejao
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
22 rebounds by the two starting OKC gurds (RW 10, AR 12) that is athleticism but also some serious hustle and heart Westbrook with a three OKC - 114 GSW - 91 Q4 3.15
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Ibaka closin in on 20 points after a little push shot there OKC - 109 GSW - 91 Q4 3.51
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Iguodala findis a streking Curry for a layup attempt that he misses - things are just not going his way - has not looked like the same Steph Curry OKC - 107 GSW - 89 Q4 5.36
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Roberson and Westbrook work on a beautiful 1-2 and Westbrook makes the basket - Roberson has been huge this game and last - always a good defender but now also making his shots and looking for the extra pass\ OKC - 105 GSW - 89 Q4 6.29
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Both teams shooting 42% - but it's just been up and down quickly both havce looked to push the pace and OKC have been helped with lots of trips to FT line. OKC defence has been great
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Somehow Durant caught and held on to a ridiculously tough pass by Westbrook kicks it out to Roberson who dutifully rewards him with a three OKC - 101 GSW - 85 Q4 8.15
Damo
Guest
94-82 at the end of Q3? Is this an All Star weekend? Are FG% really high and/or is no one playing defense?
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Durant hits a straight away transition three to get to 25 for him tonight OKC - 97 GSW - 85 Q4 9.57
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Klay started quarter amazingly but OKC did enough to weather that storm and finished it out strong to restore lead to double digits
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Westbrook tripped up - ball all over the place - Curry ends up with it tries to call TO but clock runs out anyway - OKC 12 point lead going into 4th OKC - 94 GSW - 82 Q3 END
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
After missing a three Waiters hustles to break up the passing and gives OKC a chance to set up defence. It's these sorts of plays that wins games - consistently giving that extra effort OKC - 93 GSW - 82 Q3 18.0
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Barnes makes two FT's after getting Adams in the air cleverly OKC - 91 GSW - 82 Q3 1.17
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Westbrook clears the 30 mark again with a pull up J in transition OKC - 91 GSW - 80 Q3 1.33
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Livingston finishes a series of solid Warrior passes but on the other end Adams gets those points right back follewed by a Waiters long three OKC - 89 GSW - 80 Q3 1.55
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Westbrook misses the layup and Klay gets the rebound - Westbrook does not make a mistake with this one though and finishes a hard run with a soft finish OKC - 84 GSW - 74 Q3 3.49
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
But now picks up his 4th foul - will stay in though - needs to be careful - they need his offence but might have to give a little defensively so doesn't risk a foul