The Warriors survived an early haymaker in Game 7 to defeat the Thunder and move onto the NBA Finals once again
Considering how things played out in the first six games of the Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder, it only figured that there would be a Game 7 and that it would be absolutely absurd. That’s exactly what the case was on FrMonday night in Oracle Arena as the Warriors and Thunder did battle one more time to determine which team would advance to the NBA Finals.
Despite both teams noticeably pressing and struggling out of the gate and with Klay Thompson, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant all not being their best out of the gate, it was the Thunder who took the early advantage. They were the team that seemed first able to settle down while the Warriors continued to look like they felt all of the pressure. However, the Thunder were unable to go for the kill and the Warriors went into halftime only trailing by six points.
As we’ve seen time and again with this historic Warriors team, that’s not nearly enough separation to feel safe.
And the Thunder weren’t safe at all from Golden State. Curry and Klay came out in the third quarter and absolutely destroyed the Thunder with a massive run. In fact, the Warriors finished the third frame on a 23-6 run and ahead by double-digits on their home floor.
Oklahoma City attempted to make plenty of runs in the fourth quarter with Serge Ibaka, Durant, and others knocking down pretty big shots. However, they were unable to ever capitalize on any mistakes that the Warriors did make and weren’t able to do much to stop the Warriors either.
With just about four minutes left in the contest, Golden State pushed ahead by doulble-digits. The Thunder again found themselves in a position to strike, though, but again couldn’t find a way to do so. A historic regular season would need a historic postseason moment and the Warriors coming back from 3-1 down seems historic enough.
Three Stars
Stephen Curry, Warriors – 36 points, eight assists, five rebounds
Kevin Durant, Thunder – 27 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one block, one steal
Klay Thompson, Warriors – 21 points, five rebounds, one steal, one block
Highlights
Iguodala drops a dime through the lane on @NBAonTNT. #NBARapidReplay #WARRIORSvTHUNDER https://t.co/3ZLzZdTLWb
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Adams is resilient on the boards on NBA on TNT! #NBAVine https://t.co/TtYuY6joJo
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Steph hits from way out on @NBAonTNT. #NBARapidReplay #WARRIORSvTHUNDER https://t.co/NZfqk1hg39
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
KD steps back on 'em with ease on @NBAonTNT. #NBARapidReplay #WARRIORSvTHUNDER https://t.co/FMvUxBkRQZ
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Curry + Ezeli execute the pick-and-roll to perfection on @NBAonTNT. #NBARapidReplay #WARRIORSVTHUNDER https://t.co/9oUq1uvMZf
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Russ feeds KD for the trey-ball! #WARRIORSvTHUNDER #PhantomCam https://t.co/l23HkwPqUv
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Waiters weaves and dishes to Kanter for the mid-range on @NBAonTNT. #NBARapidReplay #WARRIORSvTHUNDER https://t.co/EeB8abR1b0
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Kanter two-steps to the rack in transition on @NBAonTNT. #NBARapidReplay #WARRIORSvTHUNDER https://t.co/dFRcASSHRy
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Westbrook and Roberson link up for the lob on NBA on TNT! #NBAVine https://t.co/qNMGd1IJYP
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Westbrook brings the energy on NBA on TNT! #NBAVine https://t.co/0ODsFdQxnT
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Curry beats the buzzer in style on NBA on TNT! #NBAVine https://t.co/XdvSml9Lqb
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Russ with the feline quickness on the break! #NBAVine https://t.co/Rugo5YVGi4
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Curry strikes from distance on @NBAonTNT. #NBARapidReplay #WARRIORSvTHUNDER https://t.co/0wQ1wXTmR7
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Curry dances on 'em on NBA on TNT! #NBAVine https://t.co/88yMB5iBK5
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Waiters with a graceful scoop to the rack on @NBAonTNT. #NBARapidReplay #WARRIORSvTHUNDER https://t.co/mlf4vQftSd
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Varejao with the handles on @NBAonTNT. #NBARapidReplay #WARRIORSvTHUNDER https://t.co/MH58k6mIRU
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Westbrook with a strong take to the rack on @NBAonTNT. #NBARapidReplay #WARRIORSvTHUNDER https://t.co/SOUIDT9ZLO
— NBA (@NBA) May 31, 2016
Next Game
The Warriors will move on to play the Cleveland Cavaliers now in the NBA Finals with Game 1 of that series being played on Thursday, June 2 in Oracle Arena.
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