Coming out of the All-Star Break, the Thunder is still finding its rhythm considering a new addition in Randy Foye and some altered rotation patterns, but through all the change the key for this team each night is focused and intentional effort.
As the Thunder hosts the Golden State Warriors in a Saturday evening showdown, Head Coach Billy Donovan’s group will be led as always by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Their energy from the outset helps set the tone for their teammates, and heading into the matchup, it is clear that all 14 men on the roster want to show their ability to execute at a high level for 48 minutes. As it tries to build habits that will sustain them into the postseason, games like this one are important chances to keep working on the little things that can impact winning.
“I’m excited about tonight,” Durant said. “It’s another opportunity to play basketball, another opportunity to get better and learn more about ourselves.”
In the first matchup between these teams, the Thunder battled down to the bitter end. Golden State made a few extra plays down the stretch and came away victorious, but the Thunder’s game plan worked well, particularly in limiting the Warriors from the three-point line.
While the Warriors had some hot mid-range shooting in the first half of that battle, the Thunder stuck to its defensive schemes and clamped down on Golden State in the second half, when Enes Kanter was able to go to work around the rim to the tune of 14 points and 15 rebounds in just under 20 minutes of game action.
Full Video: Matt Pinto and Nick Gallo preview tonight's game.
In order to come away victorious tonight or give itself a chance against a 52-5 team, the Thunder knows that its connectedness on both ends of the floor, the way it shares the ball and how it communicates on defense will be crucial determining factors.
“We just have to play together,” Durant stated.
“We have to do that every night, regardless of who we’re playing,” Westbrook added.
One factor in this matchup that will certainly be different tonight is the re-addition of Andre Roberson into the rotation after he missed 10 games due to a knee injury. The third-year guard is known as one of the Thunder’s most tenacious perimeter defenders – a player who can hustle around screens and stay attached to some of the league’s deadliest shooters. Tonight he’ll start off guarding Klay Thompson, but it’s likely he’ll be matched up with a variety of Warriors players when the Thunder switches defensively.
“Andre brings his length. He’s probably our best defender,” Westbrook said. “On the ball and off the ball he does a good job of being aware and using his length.”
Broadcast Information:
Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. CT
Television: ABC
Radio: WWLS the Sports Animal and the Thunder Radio Network