Billy Donovan Postgame Interview game 6.
You really don't move the ball as much the last 5 minutes. The game slows down, defensive intensity and attention to detail goes up a ton. It isn't like they just click a switch and say "Ok we're going to play less optimally now", it is significantly harder to just fling the ball around and get guys open shots with 5 minutes left against a team like GS.
There were some bad turnovers and execution, but for the most part if they win tonight it is going to be with Durant and Westbrook taking it to their man in isolation plays. Tough to attack GS in screen/roll because they can switch everything.
OKC didn't have a big enough lead to slow the game down. We'll just have to agree to disagree about Westbrook/Durant. They could both still get their points and lose. Especially if Thompson/Curry negate it. It's about ball movement and turning the ball over. If OKC can keep it under 15 turnovers, then I give them a decent chance to pull the upset.
If you're going to do that then it is better when it is a Dirk type postup from the high post/elbow areas. Just posting up from 1 of the sides of the court is a lot harder with 2 bigs on the court, I know Ibaka can shoot but he doesn't have the quickest release and Roberson needs to be open by a good amount to get a good look off.
That could be something they try more from the high post though.
Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder - Game 6....4th quarter highlights.
The game is naturally slowing down with 5-6 minutes left. Everyone is exerting maximum energy at that point and teams generally sacrifice offensive rebounding to make sure their transition D is on point.
I mean the crux of it is they need to score and if a double team comes then pass the ball. There are a lot of different ways that unfolds but that is the basics of it. They aren't the Warriors, they don't have 4 or 5 guys on the court that can create their own shot or create a shot for a teammate. Westbrook/Durant create 90% of their offense when on the floor.
Durant didn't look tired to me last game, he was just playing bad. But Westbrook looked exhausted.
Thunder really are only playing about 6.5 guys right now. It's just tough to get your average roleplayer on the court against GS because they get cooked fast on defense.
Westbrook chasing around Curry for 35 minutes possibly starting to take a toll on him. Chasing around Curry+having to play well in every other phase of the game is a lot to handle. GS never stops moving on offense.
Thunder really are only playing about 6.5 guys right now. It's just tough to get your average roleplayer on the court against GS because they get cooked fast on defense.
Westbrook chasing around Curry for 35 minutes possibly starting to take a toll on him. Chasing around Curry+having to play well in every other phase of the game is a lot to handle. GS never stops moving on offense.
No problem. AD just got demoted to 2 team btw
KD has a lot of heart and may very well get his points tonight. But if OKC doesn't win game 7 it will be the end of these two in my opinion. My guess is Durant goes to Boston, and Westbrook will end up a Laker when his contract is up. No one is going to trade for either one as they will have all kinds of money to go after them once they are free agents.
The biggest myth in basketball is you have to drive to the basket with the game on the line. I don't know why people say this but it isn't true at all unless there is a clear opening. An elite defense is gonna be dialed in with their help late in the game and the refs usually are going to be much less likely to call a foul in those spots. Against the best defensive teams you just need to shoot a midrange jumper for the most part.
Both Durant and Westbrook sometimes get way too over aggressive in these situations. Durant had Curry on him on switches in game 5 and still tried to go all the way to the basket. Just shoot a midrange jumper.
Yeah, I mean if there is an opening you take it but for the most part it isn't the same mode of attack that there is for the first 44-45 minutes of the game. Obviously results will vary, but it is a huge myth to say "Take it strong! Put the onus on the refs!" You got Steph Curry on you on a switch, just shoot the ball...
You hear talking heads say this all the time. No don't put the onus on the refs, they're not gonna call a foul unless the guy kills you.
You hear talking heads say this all the time. No don't put the onus on the refs, they're not gonna call a foul unless the guy kills you.
