NBA fans are getting the run and gun Western Conference finals they wanted.
The flame-throwing Golden State Warriors against the Oklahoma City Thunder, starting Monday night, gives us small ball, big ball, speed, size, athleticism, and personalities galore.
The Spurs would have dragged the Warriors into the mud of a slow-paced series that would’ve frustrated the viewing audience. The two-headed Thunder will not. Get ready for some shootouts and a little bit of chaos.
Can the Warriors be beaten at their own game? When they go small and spread the court, usually your personnel can’t match their personnel in terms of skill. Do not tell this to Russell Westbrook and the Thunder.
Westbrook and Stephen Curry each attempted 25 shots during their three games this season. There isn’t a better point guard matchup in the league than the one we’re about to see. Westbrook wants to go at the two-time MVP. And the cocky Curry won’t be afraid to take him on.
The difference between the two is clear: one is a much better shooter. Curry shot 48 percent from the floor against OKC, including 45 from the 3-point line. Westbrook shot only 34 percent against the Warriors.
Fortunately, Kevin Durant is one of the best on the planet. Prior to the Curry explosion over the last two seasons, Durant was the best scorer in the NBA. Against the Spurs, he had freakish moments against Kawhi Leonard, the best defender in the league. When KD is rolling, he’s impossible to stop. And the Warriors should be aware that he can be almost as unstoppable as their own MVP.
Durant shot 53 percent from the field and 47.6 percent from deep against the Dubs in the regular season – a level of efficiency that’s Golden State cannot ignore; as long as Westbrook allows Durant to do his thing without sabotaging the situation by trying to outgun Curry.
The Warriors’ small lineup, with Draymond Green at center, is nothing short of masterful. But the Thunder has the biggest front-court in basketball. Between Serge Ibaka, Steven Adams and Enes Kanter, OKC found combinations San Antonio could not handle. That unheralded trio is monstrous, athletic and nasty.
But the Warriors can force any team away from staying big. They will prove it by playing small ball, with Curry and Klay Thompson out-gunning Westbrook and Durant in a series that could go seven. You gotta love it.
