NBA Playoffs 2016: Oklahoma Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors Game 2 Preview, Prediction
Defending champions Golden State Warriors are looking to bounce back from their previous loss as they head to Game 2 of their semi-finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 2 of the said series is slated to take place on Wednesday, May 18, at the Oracle Arena in Oakland.
In Game 1, it was the duo of superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook that powered their team to victory, ending the game with a final score of 108-102.
Durant dropped a double-double, scoring 26 points, ten rebounds, and three assists, shooting 10-30 from the field, through 45 minutes of playing time. Westbrook also put up a double-double of his own, scoring 27 points, along with 12 assists and six rebounds, through 40 minutes of playing time.
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For Westbrook, the main key to their victory was the tough, competitive mindset, which they are aiming to carry over in the next game.
"It's going to be a tough game. It's a tough building,' Westbrook said in an NBA.com report. "They have a lot of great players on their team, but I know we're a great team and when we put our minds to it, tonight we didn't play our best game and we came out with a win."
On the flipside, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr believes his entire team lost their poise, particularly in the dying moments of the game.
Down by three points with a score 105-102 with 17 seconds left on the clock, Kerr was instead adamant on having a travelling infraction called on Westbrook at midcourt. The Thunder called for a time out instead.
For their part, the Warriors have promised not to let things get out of hand the next game. According to forward Draymond Green, the key is not to give in to the pressure and keep their heads in the game.
"Obviously, it helps just knowing what to do to not lose back-to-back games, but it's the playoffs," Green said. "It's the conference finals."
The Warriors may have been caught off guard as the homestretch to the Finals gets closer. The pressure is heavier on their shoulders, to be able to hold on to their title.
The main key for them is to keep their composure and play like the championship team that they are. And given Green's promise not to lose back-to-back, Golden State could very well end up with the win.
