Week in Review: The Gold Standard

Sure, the Thunder played three games over the last seven days, but only one consumed virtually every eye of Thunder nation: the much anticipated match-up of the Thunder and Warriors. Fortunately, the Thunder took care of business against the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns, albeit both in uncomfortable fashion, but this week was all about the game against the reigning NBA champions.

If it wasn’t clear, the Thunder are one of the few teams that can legitimately claim “contender” status. The Warriors (along with the San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers) are another, and, through 50 games this year, the Warriors have been the gold (get it?) standard in the NBA, owning an incredible 46-4 record.

So, it’s natural to overanalyze every minute of Thunder-Warriors in an effort to glean any kind of answer as to whether the Thunder could potentially beat the Warriors in a seven-game series. And the early returns say, yes, maybe the Thunder have the tools to at least add some intrigue to a playoff series against Golden State. There are many reasons for this conclusion, but I’m going to hit on just a few of the numbers which stood out to me.

• The Thunder starting unit of Russell Westbrook, Dion Waiters, Serge Ibaka, Kevin Durant, and Steven Adams had a net rating of +4.0 in 21 minutes. Golden State’s starting unit had a net rating of -53.7 in 8 minutes. Yes, Andrew Bogut got into foul trouble, and Golden State’s small ball routinely torched the Thunder, but the Thunder starters more than held their own.

• The Thunder held the Warriors to just 43 points in the second half. This is especially noteable because at least one of Durant or Westbrook was on the court every minute of the second half. If we’re talking playoffs, and shortened rotations and big minutes from your stars, this absolutely shows the Thunder have enough talent among their top players to compete.

• The Warriors struggled from three, shooting just 7-26. Twenty-one of the Warriors’ threes were above the break. The Thunder did a great job of limiting high-percentage corner threes, and defending the line overall.

• The Warriors shot 52% from the mid-range. On the season, the Warriors are a much more average 45% from the mid-range, so even if the Warriors’ shoot a more typical percentage from three, the Warriors should regress to the mean on mid-range shots. Meaning, it’s not fair to just say, “Well, Stephen Curry had a bad shooting night or else the Warriors would’ve torched the Thunder.”

• Stephen Curry had a bad shooting night (10-26). I absolutely believe the Thunder harassed him enough to force at least some of those misses. Unfortunately, every one not named Curry had solid nights of the Warriors, which was the difference. Outside of Durant and Westbrook, the rest of the Thunder’s roster contributed very little, with Enes Kanter and Steven Adams the only other players to hit double-figures in scoring.

• The Thunder played 1,609 miles away from home and were two possessions away from beating the undisputed best team in the league.

It’s just one game, and it’s difficult to predict how the next game will go, but the Thunder learned a lot about how they match-up against the Warriors. February 27 can’t get here soon enough.

THE GAMES

• Win vs. the Orlando Magic on February 3, 117-114
• Loss at the Golden State Warriors on February 6, 108-116
• Win at the Phoenix Suns on February 8, 122-106

THE BEST PLAYER

Kevin Durant. Both Durant and Westbrook had phenomenal weeks, but Durant’s reaping of the Suns last night put him over the top. On the week, Durant averaged 36 points while shooting 49% from the floor, 48% from three, and 96% from the free thrown line. He also grabbed 8 rebounds, dished 4 assists, and swatted 2 shots per game.

Honorable mention: Yep, Westbrook averaged a cool triple-double this week–27 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.

THE WORST PLAYER

Anthony Morrow. Morrow continues to struggle this season in limited minutes. While Morrow did appear in every game this week, he couldn’t put the ball in the hoop (which is, really, the only reason he’s on the roster). Morrow’s stats on the week? Almost 9 minutes per game, but just 3 points on 25% shooting from three, and 23% from the floor.

THE BEST PERFORMANCE

Kevin Durant against the Golden State Warriors. Great players have great games against great opponents, and Durant certainly delivered to the tune of 40 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists. There’s no doubt he was the best player on the court.

THE WORST PERFORMANCE

Cameron Payne against the Golden State Warriors. In the brightest lights of his young career, Payne struggled. He shot just 1-7, had just 3 points, and showcased his liability on defense as Shaun Livingston absolutely shredded Payne.

THE BEST PLAY

Kevin Durant nails the game winner.

THE WORST PLAY

Kyle Singler still can’t figure out how to pivot.

WEEK IN PREVIEW

• Vs. the New Orleans Pelicans on February 11 at 7:00 pm (TNT)
  Prediction: The Pelicans are just not very good. The Thunder are. The Thunder play a little bit better defense and win by double digits.