Monday Bolts – 2.29.16
Matt Moore of CBSSports.com: “It should be noted that OKC played a tremendous game,
and the Warriors played sloppy, disjointed and disconnected basketball for much of this contest. Many will walk away feeling that the Thunder showed why they’re still the biggest threat to the Warriors simply rolling through the playoffs. Instead, you should realize that Stephen Curry is the ultimate nullifier. He nullified any advantage OKC built with its 62-32 rebounding advantage, or with its superior field goal percentage (47.9 percent to 47.4), or with its balanced attack with Durant, Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and key shots from Andre Roberson. None of it mattered, because of Curry.”
Ethan Strauss of ESPN.com: “From there, a minor miracle was needed. Thompson, who had hit his first 3 of the game on the previous possession, turned the corner for a fast layup. A quick two might have been an odd choice for a team so skilled beyond the arc, but there was a method to this madness. Defensive-minded Golden State assistant coach Ron Adams likes to spring a surprise trap in these situations, and trap the Warriors did. Durant’s long pass was batted out of the air by Thompson, then saved back to Thompson by Green. Iguodala received the ball, pump-faked Durant into the air and drew the foul with less than a second remaining. The Warriors still needed Iguodala — a poor free throw shooter — to make both of his tries. After Iguodala made his second, he shrugged at his jubilant teammates as though overtime was never in doubt.”
Here’s my thing from Saturday’s game.
Anthony Slater: “Then as the game navigated through overtime, Adams sat all but nine seconds. Donovan put him in to win the tip at the start of overtime, which he did, and then pulled him at the first whistle, reinserting Waiters. Durant fouled out 38 seconds later, a crippling blow, presenting Donovan with another choice. Go back big with Adams or stay small? He remained small, choosing Kyle Singler to replace Durant. And this is the conundrum the Thunder faces against the Warriors. While many believe OKC’s talent could give Golden State its biggest postseason challenge, the Warriors versatile options exposes the Thunder’s roster imbalance. OKC is deep in the frontcourt but thin on the wing. The Warriors small-ball strategy can nullify frontcourt players and force you to dip deep into your bag of wings.”
Berry Tramel: “The Thunder did lay it on the line defensively, and if that keeps up, this season is going to get a lot better fast. The Thunder has been various shades of lost and confused on defense the better part of two months. Now Donovan has a reference point. That’s what sell-out defense looks like. Sure, it hurts to exert that much effort and energy, only to lose. But that’s what’s required to win a title in the NBA, whether or not it’s a season with Steph Curry or not. Heck, the verdict was instructive, too. Playing sell-out defense like this is no assurance of victory. You still have to make foul shots and take care of the ball and keep your poise in the final 15 seconds. But sell-out defense is mandatory to even have a chance.”
Marc Stein of ESPN.com on MVP: ”The 81 triples Curry hit in January alone broke his own NBA record for the most in a single month. An unfathomable 400 3s for the season remains a possibility, thanks to a groove with the long ball that, as we detailed here Friday, could make Babe Ruth envious. And don’t forget Curry is comfortably on course to set a new standard for the highest scoring average for a player who averages less than 35 minutes per game; Russell Westbrook set that record last season at a comparatively modest 28.1 PPG.”
KD’s new shoes are interesting.
Stein on Sixth Man: “Oklahoma City’s Enes Kanter is one more name to file away, since he’s averaging a tidy 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds in 20.6 minutes per game, which is a feat we haven’t seen anyone in this league pull off in such scant court time since Johnny Green way back in 1965-66. But Kanter’s, uh, unflattering reputation as a defender is sure to stunt his candidacy.”
Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe: “Durant could return to Oklahoma City on a long-term deal, pledging his faith and dedication to what has been his only NBA team. He could sign a one-year extension, play that season with teammate and buddy Russell Westbrook, and then determine his long-term future. He could return to his native Washington and play for the Wizards, catapulting that club to championship-contender status. Durant could sign with the Lakers and replace Kobe Bryant as Showtime’s next superstar. He could sign with the Warriors to form one of greatest scoring combinations — with Klay Thompson and Steph Curry — in NBA history. Or… Yes, Durant has many options, and at age 27, his decision will be pivotal, considering he could garner the biggest contract in NBA history.”
