Big Three Leads Warriors to Big Win Over Thunder

January 23, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) attempts a shot next to Oklahoma City Thunder center Serge Ibaka (9) in the second quarter at ORACLE Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Just when you thought the Thunder were about to pull away, BAM! Carl Landry would get an electrifying dunk. It was that type of game on the night. With just under three minutes to go, it was a one point ball game. The Warriors, however, forced Kevin Durant and his mighty Thunder into some turnovers, airballs and misses, and beat them down the stretch with a final score of 104-99.

In the beginning of this game, Harrison Barnes opened on Kevin Durant, and he was undersized three inches. Durant, on this night, only missed a handful of shots, but the Warriors did just enough. Both teams at the start playing phenomenal defense, but shooting percentages were still pretty high at 60%+ for both teams. Midway through the quarter, the Warriors lead 15-11.  Klay Thompson had 10 points in the quarter, and the Warriors lead 27-26 at the end.

In the second quarter, OKC began their attack. They started to gain momentum, and that’s never good. They jumped out to a quick 45-38 lead. This was the point that many fans though, “Uh oh!” The Warriors, however, hung in there till half time, going back and forth with OKC. Thompson lead the Warriors with 15 points, as both OKC and GS shot 50%+ from the three point line. At the break the Thunder lead by a score of 57-52.

In the third quarter, it was more of the same. The Warriors were able to take a four point lead, but the Thunder closed out the quarter strong and eventually ended up with a 79-76 lead entering the forth. The Warriors had just two more points than the Thunder in the third.

The 4th quarter was where all the action was. A couple minutes in, the Thunder were able to maintain a four point lead. All of sudden, however, they missed two shots, and the Warriors came back with back to back points in the paint, as well as free throws. The Dubs lead by four. When Durant started to miss, courtesy of Klay Thompon’s defense, the Thunder were in for some trouble. Although Thompson fouled out, the Warriors lead 101-99 with 30 seconds left. Stephen Curry’s steal really closed out the game. He made 2/2 free throws and that was it. The Warriors had defeated the best team in the NBA.

This stretch of games really defined the Warriors’ season. It was make or break. So far, with wins over the Clippers, the scorching Hornets, and the Thunder, the Warriors are on their way to success. Wait till  Andrew Bogut comes back. The Warriors move to 26-15 on the season.