NBA PLAYOFFS -- Thunder strikes first, seize Game 1 of West Finals
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 17 May 2016
CHICAGO -- In what is expected to be a long and hard-fought Western Conference Finals series, the Oklahoma City Thunder drew first blood on Monday night and stunned the heavily favored defending champions Golden State Warriors at the Oracle Arena.
As has been the case in the Thunder's post-seson run this year, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook provided the muscle behind OKC's offensive might. Durant finished with had 26 points and 10 rebounds while Russell Westbrook peppered the box score with 27 points, 12 rebounds, 7 steals and 6 rebounds.
Durant's and Westbrook's massive haul was enough to propel the Thunder to a come-from-behind 108-102 victory and a 1-0 lead in this best-of-7 showdown. Game 2 is Wednesday night at the Oracle Arena, where the Warriors went 40-1 during the regular season and 6-1 in this postseason.
Down 60-47 at the half and 61-47 early in the third quarter the Thunder held the explosive Warriors to 42 second half points, including a mere 14 points in the final 12 minutes.
"We're just a resilient group and keep fightng 'til the end," Durant told ESPN. The 6-foot-11 All-Star and former MVP made only 10 of 30 field goals, but with 30 ticks to go and with the game on the line, Durant calmly crossed over Andre Iguodala before swishing a 17-footer that gave OKC a 105-100 lead.
OKC's bigs were huge in Game 1. Steven Adams, the 7-foot giant from New Zealand, hd 16 points and 12 rebounds while Serge Ibaka carded 11 points and 11 rebounds. With Adams and Ibaka patrolling the shaded lanes, the Thunder out-rebounded the Warriors, 52-44.
Reigning back-to-back MVP Steph Curry had a productive night with 26 points, 10 boards and 7 assists. But he was mired with 7 turnovers and shot just 9-for-22 from the field including 6-for-14 from long distance.
Klay Thompson finished with 25 points and Draymond Green had 23 for Golden State, which shot just 44 percent from the field and 36.7 (11-of-30) from 3-point range. The Warriors took only 17 free throws, 15 less than the Thunder.
Photo: Russell Westbrook's all-around play (27 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 7 steals) hoped the OKC Thunder pocket Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Madoka Wada Halts Chay Rivas in Tokyo, Retains OPBF Belt
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: The Grand Prix a Grand Concept
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 26 Jun 2025PHOTOS: Pacquiao Showcases Vintage Form During Media Day Workout at Wildcard Gym
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Press Conference Notes: Christian Mbilli & Maciej Sulecki Collide for Interim Super Middleweight World Title FRIDAY in Quebec City
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Rivas vs Wada: Battle for Women’s OPBF Supremacy Today in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Mexican boxing icon Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez Respects Cuban fighters & rivalry
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Claressa Shields Partners with King Moore to Empower Detroit Youth with the “Follow Your Dreams” Program Presented by SMT Financial Partners
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Saturday’s title defense vs. Yuniel Dorticos could be prelude to mega-fight for Gilberto Ramirez against Jake Paul or Unification showdown with Jay Opetaia or Badou Jack
Wed, 25 Jun 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 June 2025: Norman Flattens Sasaki; Simsri Edges Araneta; Rodriguez Outpoints Yafai
By Eric Armit, Tue, 24 Jun 2025FM Daluz rules 7th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 24 Jun 2025Ancajas awaits call to join card
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 24 Jun 2025Macado fights Dulayba in Venue 88
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 24 Jun 2025“Showtime” Shea Willcox & Rich Allen turned in KO Performances
Tue, 24 Jun 2025Undefeated prospect Marco Romero To be showcased on Deontay Wilder PPV card this Friday night in Wichita
Tue, 24 Jun 2025Toro Promotions. Inc. to promote its First International pro boxing show in El Salvador on September 20th
Tue, 24 Jun 2025