NBA Preview: Golden State Warriors meets Oklahoma City Thunders for the third time.
Despite winning 32 games, Golden State Warriors stand at the 12th spot in the Western Conference. With 8 meetings remaining in the regular season, the team has no chance to make it to the playoffs.
Warriors will be arriving in the capital of Oklahoma to play against Oklahoma City Thunders on Tuesday night. The teams are tied 1-1, as the visiting Golden State will be looking forward to conclude the proceedings on a high note over the Thunders.
Oklahoma City has incredibly emerged as one of the best teams in two years clinching the playoff berth second time in a row.
The league’s top scorer Kevin Durant’s shooting allure subsided a little in the recent games. However, he will be looking forward to regain his scoring prowess against the Golden State. Durant landed 57 points in the two meetings against the Warriors this
season and his formidable charisma on the court will haunt the opposition once again.
"A couple of years ago we were the worst team ever. Two years later we have clinched consecutive playoff appearances, so it feels good. We just have to keep pushing." Durant stated.
Russell Westbrook was truly impressive with the ball for Thunders in the Sunday’s 99-90 victory over the Portland Trailblazers. Westbrook scored 28 points and dished out seven assists to outshine Portland, who overpowered league’s leading San Antonio Spurs
twice in four days. Russell buried three scorching blows from downtown in the defining moments of the game to seal a magnificent victory. Durant had a tough time finding the rhythm but still scored 21 points to provide a substantial support to the top performer
of the night.
Oklahoma coach Scott Brooks was very pleased with the performance and said after the game:
"Russell has a tremendous amount of pride and confidence in his game and he's improving everyday with us. He made the big shots."
Oklahoma City clinched their ninth victory in the last 10 games and they are preparing stoutly for the upcoming playoffs.
The Thunders are standing at the fourth spot in the Western Conference with 48 victories and 24 defeats. The team holds an impressive home record, dominating the opposition 27 times in 37 home meetings. Oklahoma has performed exceptionally well in the recent
games leaving few options for the opponent to gain any sort of momentum.
On the Other hand Golden State will now only be striving for a better finish of the season. The team is standing with 32 victories and 42 defeats. In the last 10 games, the Warriors were overshadowed six times and came out successful only four times.
The line-up relished comprehensive victories in their last two games against Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards that will keep them motivated for Sunday’s game. Monta Ellis had phenomenal games as he combined for 64 points in the last two to spearhead
Warriors for a couple of outstanding victories.
Ellis who is averaging 24.3 points this season and 31.0 in two games against Oklahoma will be the key player for the visiting team in the game against the Thunders. However, he will be massively confronted by the two superstars of Oklahoma City: Durant and
Westbrook.
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