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Oklahoma City Thunder: Three Adjustments To Ensure A Game 3 Victory

By Nathan Beighle

May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35, center) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31, left) during the second half in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 118-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35, center) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31, left) during the second half in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 118-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) defends a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters (3) in the second quarter in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) defends a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters (3) in the second quarter in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

X-Factor: Dion Waiters

After watching Game 1 and seeing Dion Waiters make several impressive plays, I realized that he is the X-Factor for the Thunder. They must involve him in the offense more as the series shifts to OKC.

Thabo Sefolosha or Andre Roberson are both excellent defenders, but against the Warriors there is one way to win- score the ball. Thabo started over James Harden in a series where the Miami Heat absolutely dominated the Thunder, beating them 4-1.

Is it Roberson’s turn to get in the way?

Even with Roberson going 3-3 from the field in Game 1, he still saw a -6 in his box score for +/-. This compared to Dion Waiters who was 4-6 from the field and 2-2 from the three. Waiters had 10 points and a +2 plus/minus.

Game 2 was a different story as Dion saw 29 minutes of time compared to Roberson’s 15 minutes. Everything after Stephen Curry’s third quarter eruption can be deemed garbage time, though. That said, Waiters could be the key to victory.

They need to score more, and they need him on the floor more. He spaces the floor with his shooting and ability to keep the defense on their heels. On top of this he can defend, too.

Next: Kanter>Ibaka

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