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[author image=”https://www.the3pointconversion.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/pic-copy.jpg” ]Raphael Haynes, Atlanta, GA @mrcontroversy21[/author]
Game 4 Review
Game 4 followed suit with the past three games except that Oklahoma City (OKC) Thunder didn’t want to follow the trend of the series. The past three games have been blow outs by each team taking turns but OKC blew out the Golden State Warriors 118-94 in Game 4 when it was suppose to be the Warriors turn. The Thunder started out smoking and connecting on all cylinders. Russell Westbrook once again jump started the Thunder and carried them on his back by leading them with a triple double (36 points, 11 assist and 11 rebounds). The Warriors struggled from the start including Stephen Curry. Curry had a dismal game going 6-for 20 (2-10 from three point land) and Draymond Green scored six points on 1-7 shooting and six turnovers. Klay Thompson was the only bright spot for Golden State scoring 26 points in only 29 minutes because of foul trouble in the second quarter.
Keys To The Game
OKC must come into this game smelling blood. What separate the great teams from the very good teams is going for the kill when it’s available. Nothing should really change but they should be prepared for a desperate team which will do any and everything to stay alive. They have to keep their composure, don’t get involved with the referees and players, and withstand the big run in the beginning. If they accomplish all of those distractions and play like they have been, then they should be in fine position to move on to the Finals. The Warriors have to take it one game at a time. I know it’s an old cliché but this team is a custom to going on large streaks. Green has to be active and not worry about getting a technical foul. When his emotions seem out of control, that’s when he is in control and at his best. Curry has to get off early and we all know once he gets going then the entire team can hit from anywhere. The biggest adjustment is Steve Kerr has to throw a curveball and catch Billy Donavan off guard and not get out-coached. It’s no secret that Kerr has been outreached so far.
X-Factors
The X-Factor for the Thunder is Enes Kanter. Kanter has been solid during the season but they need him to be that mismatch which causes the Warriors to dictate to the Thunder. He has to be more than solid for them to offset what the Warriors want to do which is go small.
The X-Factor for the Warriors is Andre Iguodala. Iguodala, the 2015 NBA Finals MVP hasn’t shown any signs of that during this series. Now, they actually don’t need him to be that guy but he needs to impact the game with his defense on Kevin Durant, offense (to excite the crowd and the team) and with his intangibles. If he can ignite the second team when he’s on the floor then the Warriors might be headed back to Oklahoma for Game 6.
Prediction: OKC has been here before in 2012 with the two superstars so they should know how to approach this game and lead by example. If anybody can comeback from a 3-1 deficit, it’s the Warriors. They have the firepower, mentality and experience. OKC closes out the series with a tight one 108-105.
