Game Preview: Warriors vs. Thunder - Game 1 - 5/16/16

The Warriors host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Oracle Arena in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Monday night.

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Warriors - Thunder Game 1 Preview

A NEW BEGINNING
After dispatching the Trail Blazers and Spurs, respectively, the Warriors and Thunder meet in the Western Conference Finals, beginning with Game 1 at Oracle Arena on Monday night. This will be the first of two-straight games at Oracle before the series transitions to Oklahoma City for Games 3 and 4. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Watch the action on TNT, or listen to the call on KNBR 680 AM and the Warriors Mobile App. FIND TICKETS

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REGULAR SEASON SERIES RECAP
It seems as though every time the Warriors and Thunder have matched up over the last few years, it’s made for quite the exciting game, and although Golden State swept the regular season series 3-0 this year, it wasn’t as one-sided as the end results may indicate. Their first encounter proved to be the Warriors easiest victory of the three, with the Dubs seizing a 14-point halftime advantage before leading the rest of the way to an eventual 116-108 win. The second game between the two teams proved to be perhaps the iconic game of the entire regular season, as Stephen Curry’s majestic game-winning three-pointer from nearly half-court found the bottom of the net with 0.6 seconds left in overtime, giving Golden State a jaw-dropping 121-118 comeback victory. Then, five days later, the Warriors rounded out the regular season sweep by outscoring Oklahoma City by 16 points in the fourth quarter to finish off a 121-106 home win.

GSW: Kevon Looney (right hip) is out. Team Notes

OKC: None. Team Notes

STARS GALORE
On one side, you have the two-time reigning and first-ever unanimous MVP, flanked by All-Stars Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. On the other, you have who most consider to be a top-three player in the entire world playing alongside an athletic freak of nature that managed to tie Magic Johnson for the most single-season triple-doubles in the last 40 years. Safe to say, this Western Conference Finals series doesn’t lack for star power whatsoever. Durant was impervious to nearly every defense the Warriors threw at him in their three regular season matchups, scoring an average of 36.3 points per game on 52.9 percent shooting from the field and 47.6 percent shooting from three-point range. In fact, he shot better than 50.0 percent against anyone who guarded him on multiple plays. The Dubs shouldn’t feel too bad, though, considering Durant tends to do that against almost everyone, not to mention they have their own guy capable of putting up ridiculous scoring numbers regardless of what kind of defense is concocted against them. Curry averaged 35.0 points and 6.7 assists while shooting 48.0 percent from the field and 45.0 percent from three-point range in the regular season series, and no player scored more than Curry’s scintillating 46-point output in the overtime epic. Ironically, both Westbrook and Green struggled with their shot in the three regular season matchups, but still found other ways to impact the game, which makes sense considering they ranked first and second in the NBA in regular season triple-doubles. This may leave Klay Thompson as the weapon to which Oklahoma City does not possess an equal and opposite counter, and if he plays like he did against the Trail Blazers, that could prove to be the difference in an otherwise evenly matched series.

ADVANTAGES
The playoffs are all about matchups, and as the opponents change, so do the exploitable advantages. In general, both the Warriors and Thunder are performing better on both ends of the court in the playoffs than they did in the regular season, with each side scoring more points for and allowing fewer points against per 100 possessions. The Warriors, despite being without Curry for either all or the vast majority of their first eight postseason games this year, have maintained nearly identical production from three-point range compared to the regular season, and that’s an area they should be able to take advantage of against Oklahoma City. On three-pointers alone, the Dubs are averaging 11.1 more points per game than the Thunder in the playoffs, which is down just slightly from their 12.0 points-per-game advantage off of three-pointers against the Thunder in the regular season. While Golden State may have the advantage from the outside, Oklahoma City’s strength is on the inside. No team averaged more offensive or total rebounds per game than the Thunder during the regular season, and they remain the best offensive and total rebounding group of any team still alive in the playoffs. Recently, the Thunder have been pairing Steven Adams and Enes Kanter in the frontcourt simultaneously with tremendous success, as those lineups outscored the Spurs by 21.8 points per 100 possessions in the series they just advanced from. Just as it will be crucial for Oklahoma City to limit Golden State’s advantage on the perimeter, the Warriors will have to similarly prevent the Thunder from dominating in the paint.

X-FACTORS
Just as these teams are similar in their playing styles and compositions, so too are their respective x-factors in this series: Harrison Barnes and Serge Ibaka. Both players are often overshadowed by their All-Star teammates, both are essential to certain crucial lineups each team likes to employ, and both averaged the third-most points per game for their respective sides in the three regular season meetings between the two teams. Neither Barnes nor Ibaka have had an easy go of it offensively through the first two rounds of the postseason, and if either player manages to find a groove, it could make their offense nearly impossible to stop. With all the superstar names involved in this series, it could very well be Barnes, Ibaka or perhaps another player lurking in the shadows that could ultimately tilt the series in their respective favor.

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Arena & Game Info

The Oracle Arena culinary team is excited to welcome fans this season with a brand new menu featuring unparalleled variety and showcasing some of the best Bay Area eats. Courtesy of Executive Chef Tim Radack and team, fans will enjoy a signature selection of new dishes and reimagined gameday favorites.

For a complete, interactive guide on where to find all of our food and concessions within the arena, download the Warriors Mobile App and visit the "At The Game" section.

Download the brand new version of the Golden State Warriors Official Mobile App for iPhone, iPad and Android devices. Stay connected at the game, or wherever you go, and get live stats, news and videos. Enhance your gameday experience at Oracle Arena by upgrading your seats, viewing our interactive arena map, checking live traffic and much more. Plus, be on the lookout for exclusive notifications with free giveaways, merchandise discounts and much more!

Assistive Listening Devices are available at the First Aid station located on the main concourse behind section 106.

Automatic Teller Machines are located on the main concourse outside section 110, 128 and on the upper concourse at section 221. An ATM is also located within the Stella Artois Club.

Bicycle racks are located at the north flagpole adjacent to parking Lot F.

Oracle Arena's box office hours are:

Monday - Friday: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Weekends and Holidays (on non-event days)

BMW Club ticket holders have unlimited access to the BMW Club before, during, and after all Warrior home games. The BMW Club opens 90 minutes prior to each game and remains open one hour following its conclusion. Located on the Event Level, the BMW Club offers a spacious social area, an upscale dining environment, lounge and flat screen TV's. Post-game access is restricted to guests over 21 years of age. BMW Club Ticket holders wishing to eat dinner in the restaurant are encouraged to make a reservation by calling (510) 383-4840. Reservations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Complete first aid services are available on the main concourse behind section 106 for fans who require medical attention from licensed staff.

This program will help provide a fast resolution to any game day problems that occur inside Oracle Arena. Examples of issues that should be resolved using our texting service include but are not limited to:

Text an issue to 510-500-8787

Lost and Found articles can be redeemed from the AEG table outside of Section 127 on the main concourse until all guest areas are closed after each home game. All unclaimed lost and found items are stored for 30 days. To contact lost and found, please call (510) 383-4660.

To report an incident to Oracle Arena Security, please use the In Seat texting service (instructions above) or contact the nearest usher or guest services representative.

Surprise that special person in your life with a personalized scoreboard message at a Warriors home game! You may wish a happy birthday, celebrate a special occasion or welcome a loved one to a game! Score big with family and friends, while also making a tax deductible contribution to benefit Bay Area youth through the Golden State Warriors Community Foundation. A limited number of scoreboard messages are available each game so reserve your space today. All scoreboard messages must be received by 12 p.m. three (3) business days prior to the game requested. All messages will appear between the start of halftime and the end of the fourth quarter. To reserve your Warriors Scoreboard message, simply complete the order form on this page.

All ticket holders have the opportunity to upgrade their seats on game day, pending availability. All day of game seat upgrade requests can be taken at our Customer Assistance window beginning 2 hours prior to tip off. The Customer Assistance window is located at the Oracle Arena box office, windows one and two. In addition, once inside Oracle Arena you also have the opportunity to upgrade your seats via the Warriors App on your smart phone.

Click here for an interactive 3-D seating map of Oracle Arena.

Warriors Ticket Sales Representatives are able to assist all fans on game days outside of Sections 107, 121, 128 and 202.

The "Will Call" windows open two hours prior to tip-off of each home game. The "Will Call" windows are located at the Oracle Arena Box Office on the East side of Oracle Arena. Picture identification is required to pick up any tickets. Will Call does not have a phone number; it is only a drop off and pick up point for day of game tickets.

Complimentary Wifi is available to all guests entering Oracle Arena.

Arena Policies

Beverages and/or food of any kind may not be brought into Oracle Arena. Alcoholic beverages are
available at concession stands, beverage carts and clubs throughout Oracle Arena. Fans may not
bring alcohol into the upper or lower bowl during the 4th quarter.

Service animals are permitted inside the arena. All other animals are prohibited.

The Warriors and Oracle Arena staff are committed to ensuring a safe and fun environment for all
fans. AS A SECURITY MEASURE, COOLERS, BACKPACKS AND OTHER LARGE BAGS ARE NOT
ALLOWED into Oracle Arena. Bags must be smaller than 14" x 14" x 6" in size. Oracle Arena will deny
entry into the facility to those who carry any of the items larger than this size until they are stored
elsewhere by the ticket holder. The Warriors or Oracle Arena will not assume the responsibility for
the storage of any of these items.

Bag Check is located across the plaza from Oracle Arena at the Customer Accomodations window at
the Coliseum. Bag Check is available for $10. Bag Check service will close 30 minutes after the
game. Any items not claimed will be sent to Lost and Found for a maximum of 30 days. Oracle Arena
and its agents are not liable for any damage to items left at Bag Check. Bag Check will not accept or
check items of unusual value or those exceeding $100.

Cameras with lenses less than 3 inches in length are permitted, but the use of a flash is not allowed.
All types of video and audio equipment are not permitted in Oracle Arena.

A ticket is required for all children 24 months and older. Children under 24 months are
complimentary and are allowed to sit in the lap of an adult with a ticket.

Oracle Arena opens at 6:00 p.m.

All ticket holders can enter Oracle Arena through our East, North or South Main Entrances. Sideline Club ticket holders may also enter through the Plaza Entrance next to the Oracle Arena Box Office and Warriors Team Store. Courtside Club, VIP Floor and Suite holders may also enter through the VIP Valet Lot entrance, E or F Lot entrances. Use our interactive parking map for complete details.

Food and/or beverages of any kind may not be brought into Oracle Arena.

The Golden State Warriors strive to provide an entertaining and safe environment for all of our patrons. Fans who are found guilty of public intoxication, using offensive language, throwing objects or any other behavior deemed by Warriors or Arena Guest Services Representatives as disruptive or dangerous in nature are subject to ejection from Oracle Arena. The Warriors also adhere to the NBA Fan Code of Conduct, which sets forth expected standards of decorum for all fans attending NBA games.

A warning card with the following printed language must be given by an arena security representative to any fan who has engaged in excessive verbal abuse of a player, coach, game official or another fan:

"You are being issued a warning that the comments, gestures and/or behaviors that you have directed at players, coaches, game officials and or/ other spectators constitute excessive verbal abuse and are in violation of the NBA Fan Code of Conduct. This is the first and only warning that you will receive. If, after receiving this warning, you verbally abuse any player, coach, game official or spectator, you will be immediately ejected from Oracle Arena without refund".

The following items are prohibited from Oracle Arena. All items are subject to search:

The following items are prohibited from the Oracle Arena Parking Lot:

Oracle Arena reserves the right to exclude any additional items that are not specifically mentioned in the list above. All small bags are permitted, but will be searched. All guests are subject to search upon entering Oracle Arena.

No re-entry is permitted after you have exited Oracle Arena turnstiles.

Signs, flags and banners are permitted inside Oracle Arena, as long as the information contained on
them is not politically, religiously, or commercially motivated, do not block existing signs or another
guest’s view and do not carry obscene messages. Warriors and Arena Guest Services
Representatives reserve the right to ask any fan to remove a sign or banner from Oracle Arena.

No smoking of any kind is permitted in Oracle Arena. Patrons who fail to comply with this policy may
be subject to ejection from Oracle Arena.

Wheelchairs are permitted at Oracle Arena. During Warrior games at Oracle Arena, the disabled
drop-off and pick-up area is located on the north and south ramps leading up to the Plaza, which is
the area between the Coliseum and Oracle Arena where the Box Office is located. Oracle Arena also
offers accessible parking, which is located in the first two rows of the parking lot, closest to Oracle
Arena. Spaces are limited. Additionally, there are three elevators at Oracle Arena which are ADA
accessible. The first is located on the west side near section 114; the other two are located on the
east side near section 101.

Parking & Directions

Guests with parking passes may enter the parking lots at 4:45 p.m. Cash parking lots open at 5:30 p.m.

Located off Interstate 880 in Oakland, Oracle Arena can be accessed in a variety of ways. View our interactive parking map, and get complete details on directions, pricing and public transportation below.

You can now prepay your parking for individual games at a discounted rate ($35 instead of $40 at the gate)!

Prepay Now

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Note: VIP, Club and Luxury Suite Parking Lots are for pre-paid parking only

Fans attending Warriors games can take BART right to Oracle Arena. Use the Coliseum/Oakland Airport Station exit. For more information on BART or to view schedules click here.

Want to be dropped off right outside the Arena? Take your favorite ride-sharing service to the arena and you’ll be dropped off at the arena’s convenient pickup and drop off location on the northwest corner of B Lot (View MAP).

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Check in on Facebook to 'Golden State Warriors Home Game' each time you come to a game and take advantage of our Facebook Check-In Deal of the Night.

Recent deals have included postgame player Q&As, free throw contests on the court, and even the chance to take a photo with Jerry West.

Whether you're at the game or watching from home, show us what Warriors Ground looks like by tagging your photos on Twitter and Instagram with #WarriorsGround.

The best ones will be featured on our Instagram Wall inside the arena, on our scoreboard, and even on warriors.com.

During each home game, we feature all the best fan tweets on our scoreboard. Use #WarriorsGround or #DubNation and see if your tweets are featured.

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The new Express Entry Lanes are reserved for Prepaid Parking Passes, giving those who pay ahead a way to save money and time. Parking Passes must be purchased at least 3.5 hours before tip-off and are game specific

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