NBA on Grid

Game 6 of GSW vs. OKC was one of the best games I have ever watched and I wanted to jump right into how GSW stuck to their game plan while OKC reverted back to 2 vs 5 hero ball under pressure.

As you can see above, OKC was leading by 8 going into the 4th quarter and was in a good position to close out the series. However, FOR SOME REASON, OKC started playing their patented Iso heavy basketball taking very tough shots against very good defenders.

Let’s jump right into the 4th quarter stats:

GSW 4th quarter Advanced Stats

OKC 4th quarter Advanced Stats

One thing that stands out instantly is OKC’s assist. Well, I meant OKC’s NO-assist. OKC had an astonishing ZERO assist in the 4th quarter. I understand that their offense relies heavily on two superstars, but compared to 5 assists they had in the 4th quarter last game, this just makes it hard for OKC to create good shots.

Let’s take a look at some of the 4th quarter possessions by OKC:

Despite scoring, I wouldn’t call this a good possession by OKC as Westbrook goes one-on-one against Klay Thompson (who is a great defender) with shot clock only at 18 seconds. I would’ve like to see more movements to create for an easier basket before going into isolation mode because Westbrook can create the same quality of isolation middle range shot up with shot clock down at 8 seconds.

 

Next possession is an epitome of how bad NBA basketball has become (1 superstar trying to create while 4 others stand around and watch). Kevin Durant goes one-on-one against perhaps one of the best on-ball defenders, Iguodala. Curry makes a great decision by leaving Waiters and staying on baseline to double team Durant, which results in a turnover by OKC. I would’ve liked to see a smarter play by OKC at this point. With the shot clock down at 8, it wasn’t too late for Dion Waiters to set a quick screen on Iguodala to force a switch for Curry to guard Durant. Durant and Westbrook really need to understand that 4th quarter is a time to make a smart and efficient plays, not a time to try to do everything themselves.

Here is another possession that really sealed the deal for GSW. With the shot clock down at 7, Westbrook this time did need to make a move, but it happened to be against the best defender on GSW, Mr.Iguodala. Iguodala forces Westbrook to his weaker hand and comes up with a great clean strip and makes a great outlet assist for Klay’s game deciding 3 pointer.

 

You have just witnessed some bad possessions by OKC. One thing for sure is that it wasn’t just OKC’s collapse under pressure in the 4th quarter that decided the result. GSW stuck to their game plan until the end of the game and Klay Thompson had a record setting night.

People say screener is the one that usually gets open. After setting a screen for Livingston, Klay pops for a three and hits one with not much room. It wasn’t a bad defense by Waiters at all, but it was a clear sign that Klay was on fire.

 

 

If you know you’ve had over 30 points shooting over 50% from three point line, you shouldn’t hesitate to shoot like how Klay did here. I don’t even know what to say for this one.

 

While Durant and Westbrook were busy taking very difficult shots against great defenders, GSW maintained their composure and stuck to their game plan by creating mismatches and looking for open teammates.

In this possession, for example, Curry decides not to use Bogut’s screen, uses a great double-cross move to get to the paint, and make a great pass to wide open Barnes.

 

 

 

There you have it NBA fans!

Although I highlighted the collapse of OKC in the 4th quarter in this post, it was a great battle between two great teams in the end. By no means, I am an OKC hater. As some of you know, I did predict that OKC has a better chance of winning the series against GSW after the game 1 (Click here to view the post) with Steven Adams being the X-factor.

With that said, it will be interesting to see how OKC come out in game 7. If OKC can find a better mismatches (not going one-on-one against Thompson or Iguodala), I do think OKC still has a good chance to win the game.

Only 9 teams out of 233 teams have pulled off a comeback win down 3-1 in the playoff series. I wouldn’t also be surprised to see GSW being the 10th team.