The Oklahoma City Thunder will not play in the 2016 NBA Finals. This was a reality ascertained with the Thunder’s 96-88 loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals.
In a fight to the very finish, the NBA’s reigning champions did what they do best, they finished the game.
OKC led by six at half, but a stagnant third quarter offense which only produced 12 points in those 12 minutes, was all Golden State needed to take control. The Warriors outscored the Thunder 29-12 in the third and led 71-60 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Thunder chipped away and avoided a complete collapse, down by four with under two minutes to go. But a foul from Serge Ibaka on a Stephen Curry three-point attempt, put Curry at the line, the Warriors up seven, and a dagger in the Thunder’s hopes of making a comeback.
The Splash Brothers dazzled, proving nearly unstoppable from beyond the arc. Klay Thompson hit 6-11 of his three point shots (21 points on the night), and the back-to-back Most Valuable Player, got hot going 7-12 from downtown and scoring a game-high 36 points.
Kevin Durant had an improved shooting performance for OKC in Game Seven, leading his team with 27 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Russell Westbrook added 19 for the Thunder.
The Golden State Warriors now look to cap off a historic regular season with a NBA Championship, advancing to meet the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals.
Game One of the NBA Finals will tip-off on Thursday at 8 PM.
