Site last updated: Friday, April 19, 2024

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

OKC wins big at home

Warriors beaten by 133-105 count

OKLAHOMA CITY — Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the Thunder gave the Warriors as complete a beating as they experienced during their record-setting season.

Suddenly, a second straight title seems to be anything but a given for Golden State. Now the Warriors are just trying to survive.

Durant scored 33 points, Westbrook had 30 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds, and Oklahoma City rolled to a 133-105 victory on Sunday night to take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference finals.

The Warriors, who set an NBA record with 73 victories in the regular season, trailed by 41 points, their largest deficit this season.

“We got what we deserved,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.

Durant made 10 of 15 shots and Westbrook was 10 of 19. It was the first time this postseason both players shot better than 50 percent from the field.

“We're not going to win that way,” Golden State guard Klay Thompson said. “One of those guys got to have an off night.”

Serge Ibaka added 14 points and eight rebounds for the Thunder, who matched a franchise record for most points scored in a playoff game.

Oklahoma City outrebounded the Warriors in its Game 1 victory, but the Warriors won the battle of the boards in Game 2 and beat the Thunder 118-91. Oklahoma City reasserted its dominance on the glass on Sunday, outrebounding Golden State 52-38.

Westbrook said the Thunder also needed to make the hustle plays that add to the rebounding totals.

“That's one thing we slipped up on in Game 2, and I think tonight, we did a good job of getting loose balls and finding ways to get 50/50 basketballs and give ourselves extra possessions,” he said.

Golden State will be in an uncomfortable position heading into Game 4 on Tuesday in Oklahoma City, but the Warriors remain confident. Golden State trailed Memphis and Cleveland 2-1 in playoff series last year and won both on its way to claiming the NBA title.

“Both times, we got blown out in Game 3, and we responded well, so we have that memory,” Kerr said. “I'm confident we're going to come out and play a really good game in Game 4, and we'll see what happens.”

The last time Golden State's Stephen Curry had played in Oklahoma City, he scored 46 points and tied an NBA record with 12 3-pointers.

More in Professional

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS