5 ways Thunder can complete upset over Warriors
By Tom West
The NBA Western Conference Finals are far from over, but after various improvements and a 2-1 series lead, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a chance at a major upset against the Golden State Warriors.
It’s important not to overreact to each result we see in the NBA Playoffs. The San Antonio Spurs trounced the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-92 in Game 1, yet proceeded to lose three straight games to lose the series while proving they simply couldn’t keep up. Meanwhile, after the Golden State Warriors answered back in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals with a 118-91 win to tie the series, everyone was quick to say the Thunder’s Game 1 win was a blip and the champs were back in control.
Well, after an overpowering 133-105 Game 3 win, the Thunder proved again that they aren’t to be taken lightly and (yet again, let’s not overreact) are ready to give the Warriors a worrying run for their money.
Of course, the series is far from over and the Warriors could answer back in an instant. They may suddenly bury 20 threes, lockdown on defense and make Golden State haters wonder why they got their hopes up. Make no mistake, though, with new improvements over the playoffs and a 2-1 series lead, plus heading into Game 4 at home, the Thunder have a far greater chance to complete this upset than most would have expected.
And if Draymond Green didn’t get lucky and receive no suspension for what many will agree was a blatantly obvious kick to Steve Adam’s Kiwis in Game 3, OKC taking a 3-1 lead would have been fairly likely.
Now, as we look forward to Tuesday night’s Game 4 and the rest of the series, here’s a look at what the Thunder have going for them and how they can do the seemingly unthinkable and make the NBA Finals.
Next: 5. The Thunder are embracing their big identity