From Harvey Araton of the New York Times:
OKLAHOMA CITY — Blowouts have not been uncommon in these N.B.A. playoffs. But when a record-setting 73-victory team loses in the way the Golden State Warriors did Sunday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena, it must be asked if the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 133-105 trouncing of the defending champions in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals might psychologically be worth more than one win.
At the very least, the Warriors know how the San Antonio Spurs felt by the conclusion of their second-round series, sensing that a transformative fulfillment of potential at the season’s most propitious stage has seized hold of the Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook-led Thunder.
The Warriors faced a two-games-to-one deficit last season in the second round against Memphis and again in the finals against Cleveland. But the Thunder appear to be growing as they go.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Blowouts have not been uncommon in these N.B.A. playoffs. But when a record-setting 73-victory team loses in the way the Golden State Warriors did Sunday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena, it must be asked if the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 133-105 trouncing of the defending champions in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals might psychologically be worth more than one win.
At the very least, the Warriors know how the San Antonio Spurs felt by the conclusion of their second-round series, sensing that a transformative fulfillment of potential at the season’s most propitious stage has seized hold of the Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook-led Thunder.
The Warriors faced a two-games-to-one deficit last season in the second round against Memphis and again in the finals against Cleveland. But the Thunder appear to be growing as they go.
That "growth" the "transformative fulfillment" of the team is due Billy Donovan, the coach.
"Paychologically...worth more:" getting blown out is not going to traumatize GS psychologically. But have the "Warriors" doubt now? I do! And are they psychologically "tough" or are they "soft?" Stephen Curry got a migraine during last year's Finals. He overcame it. Against a crippled opponent. I read today that the Dubyas were "rattled" by the crowd last night. Really? You are professionals, not college players, you are the defending champs, 73-9, and the CROWD rattled you. That is psychologically soft.
