The matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder could be a preview for what is to come in the 2014 playoffs. These two teams are on the rise in the Western Conference. Their first meet up was a high-scoring affair as the Warriors edged out a win 116-115 after a buzzer-beating shot. Since that loss, the Thunder are unbeaten and look to remain that way.
The Warriors are slumping heading into this matchup. They have gone 3-4 since the first win. Two of those came against the league's worst, Utah. After the offense appeared on a roll against the Thunder, things have stalled out as the Warriors will aim to get back on track on Friday.
The Thunder are proving to be stacked with depth. Against the Warriors, the bench put up 25 points. They assisted in ending the Spurs win streak which had reached 11 games. Reserves like Reggie Jackson and Jeremy Lamb both scored in double-digits in that matchup. Jackson leads the bench with 10.8 points in an average of 23.5 minutes per game.
The Thunder may have been hitting all their shots, but their defense against the Warriors was weak. They played their worst defensive performance in that loss, allowing a season-high amount of points. Golden State went 14 of 23 from beyond the arc. Oklahoma has made defense a focus since then and will likely be tested against heavy shooters like Klay Thompson who hit all six three-point shots then.
Thompson is helping the Thunder lead the league in 3-point shooting. they are shooting 43.7 percent from the arc. Stephen Curry has hit 42 on the season while Thompson leads with 52.
The issue for the Warriors is turnovers. In their loss to the Mavericks, Curry turner the ball over six of the team's 18, adding up to 30 total points. They have giving up an average of 17.6 times per game. Meanwhile the Thunder are forcing 16.1 turnovers a game which could be the deciding factor in this game.
Watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors live stream, click here.
