The Warriors sounded as defeated as they looked after the OKC Thunder handed them a second series loss, backing up a Game 1 win in Golden State with a Game 3 butt-kicking in Oklahoma City. Amazingly the 133-105 margin of victory makes the game seem closer than it was. The Thunder led by 41 at one point.
The Warriors were down 2-1 twice in last year’s playoffs on their way to the title. They bounced back after Game 3 blowouts in both instances. But here’s the big two-headed problem: Kevin Durant had 33 points and Russell Westbrook had 30, 12 assists and eight boards. They made 21 free throws between them. According to the Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson, the Warriors need those guys — at least one of them — to play poorly for the Warriors to win. Thompson said after the Game 3 pounding: “We’re not going to win that way. One of those guys [Durant, Westbrook] got to have an off night.” That is easier wished for than accomplished. Game 4 is Tuesday at OKC.
