Thunder had their chances; Curry hits 12 long bombs

As for the Western Conference of the NBA, Oklahoma City is the most challenging team for Golden State and if the Thunder and the Warriors get to match-up in the playoffs, it will be a tough and tight series.  As for Stephen Curry, his shooting performance tonight in OKC was out-of-this-world.  I have never seen a better long range gunner than Curry.  Better basketball players, yes. But shooter? Are you kidding me!

As for the particulars of the game:

1. OKC had a great chance to win in regulation but Russell Westbrook made a mistake after the 2nd to last basket and should have called time out and not pass the ball in to Kevin Durant (after the made basket).  Durant, double covered should have used the last time out also and not tried to throw a half-court pass that was eventually stolen leading to the Warriors last basket to tie the score at 123 and sent the game into overtime.
2. The Thunder gained a lot of confidence even in the  loss.  Don’t think for one minute that the Warriors know that OKC is the team they will have to beat in the Western playoffs to get to the NBA Finals.
3. You cannot stop Stephen Curry when he is on. He was magnificent tonight. The only way to defend the indefensible is to make Curry feel the game through hard but legal plays.  Hard fouls,  hard picks. rough play.   And that will not be easy as he is a very strong and physical player for his size.  Have Russell Westbrook post him up on all occasions if he is guarding number zero.
4. OKC had just too many turnovers in the third quarter and though they kept a slim lead for the most part, they cannot have possessions without getting shots.  The Thunder, instead of building a lead in that 3rd quarter, lost their lead.
5. Kevin Durant fouled out.  That cannot happen.
6. OKC dominated the boards and Westbrook was efficient in getting Steven Adams and  Enes Kanter involved in the offense.  More is needed.
7. As a team tonight, the Thunder was the Warriors match.  That is good and OKC will also be a tough team to beat in the playoffs for Golden State as is the Warriors for OKC.

Photo:  Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, right, drives against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016.  Credit:  Sue Ogrocki, AP