Core Control
How much of a load do Westbrook and Durant have to carry? This series the superstar tandem have combined for 98 points. This is 49.3 percent of the entire Thunder points. Two guys score ALMOST HALF their points. There is something wrong with the sound of that.
With relying so much on two players, come turnovers. Durant and Westbrook combined in Game 2 to have 11 of them, which is as many as the entire Warriors starting lineup. Game 1 was the same story as they combined for 8 of the Thunder’s 11 turnovers.
Thunder's Kevin Durant already has five turnovers for the 6th time in his last seven games.
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 19, 2016
These extra possessions kill the Thunder’s chances against a historically great Warriors team. In Game 1, the Thunder committed less turnovers than the Warriors, and they won. Wow, what a coincidence.
This should not come as a surprise. The Thunder have needed to work on this aspect of their game the entire year. The Thunder are the worst team above 45 wins when it comes to turning that ball over.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder must retain control of the rock in order to make a case as the Western Conference Champions. Control the rock, involve Dion Waiters more, and give Kanter more of an opportunity to play – these are the three keys to the Thunder’s success in Game 3.