Warriors-Thunder: Golden State Finally Gets a Win, but It Was Ugly
The Golden State Warriors have halted their losing streak at nine games. The game itself was very good in the first half as the Warriors played solid defense in the first half and raced to a 21-point half time lead and ended up winning by 10.
Chalk it up to the inexperience of the Thunder, because with about 32 seconds left in the game Kevin Durant, who had an amazing game of 41 points and 10 rebounds, hit a three to put the game within three. So, they had time to play defense and get a rebound, and all the Thunder needed was a three to tie.
Instead, the Thunder fouled Anthony Morrow, which wasn't a good idea considering his free throw percentage is currently at 90 percent. Morrow, just like in the Warriors' last victory against the Portland Trail Blazers, made the two free throws to make it a five point Warriors lead. Eventually, after Kevin Durant missed a couple more three attempts, the Warriors put the game away with free throws for a final score of 112-102.
Let's start off with the good news. Most of the good news stemmed from the first half of the game. The Warriors shot 61 percent in the half, were able to get down the court with ease, and pressured the Thunder into 21 turnovers.
Onto the bad news. Although this may seem strange, the Warriors were being too unselfish at times. There were a number of times when the Warriors had an opportunity to score on a break, but passed the ball too many times, resulting in the Thunder defense being able to get back and block the shot. '
There were missed layups, rebounds the Warriors should have gotten (another constant in the Warriors' losing streak), and some questionable shots that were taken, but in the end it was the Warriors coming out on top. Unlike the other games where leads had shrunk like in tonight's game, they didn't let the home crowd take them out fully and they were able to hold on from the Thunder's rally.
All in all, the best part about the Warriors' win was the play of Marco Belinelli. Belinelli shot extremely well from the floor, going six-for-seven and went one-for-one from the three-point line, and he came up with a couple of big steals.
Even though I love Ronny Turiaf and the energy he brings to the Warriors, he was one of the reasons why the Thunder were able to pick up some momentum in the third quarter. Yes, Turiaf had four blocks which is great, but he took a jumper that he shouldn't have even attempted and it lead to a three-point play for the Thunder.
The Warriors also have to feel good about the fact that they won without Corey Maggette and Stephen Jackson due to injury. Jackson was out with a sprained wrist and Maggette is dealing with the hamstring injury that has been bothering him all year.
The Warriors should be able to at least give Milwaukee a run for their money and hopefully this performance leads to another victory for them. I'm sure since the next two games are at home, this young Golden State team will come out with more energy and play extremely well. Sometimes, it just takes breaking that losing streak to start another streak.
