The Golden State Warriors pulled out a miraculous and thrilling 121-118 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night, as a Stephen Curry three-pointer at the buzzer (from 38 feet, no less) won what is the game of the year so far in the NBA. Here are three things we learned from the contest:
3) Stephen Curry is having the best season in NBA history
This may seem like a massive overstatement, but it's really not. For starters, Curry's player efficiency rating this season is the highest in NBA history, showing just how big of an impact he has on the entire game. His creative passing and steals keep defenses off balance, but it's the way he's changing the game with his shooting that really makes his mark.
The pull-up jumpers from 30 feet and fadeaway threes off the dribble have become the norm, something we haven't seen from anyone else. However, what makes it more impressive is the rate at which he's making these incredible shots. He tied the NBA record with 12 three-pointers against the Thunder, and he also set a new record for most three-pointers made in a season - with 25 games left!
2) We forget how good Kevin Durant is
Durant seemed to fade out of the national consciousness when he missed most of last season with various foot problems, coupled with the emergence of Curry and the Warriors. Though he's returned to his old dominant self this year, last night seemed to serve as another coming out party for Durant, reminding everyone how good he is when he's at his best. He matched Curry shot for shot, keeping Oklahoma City in front until he fouled out in overtime. Even with the loss and the Curry love affair, we were reminded why he won the MVP two years ago.
1) Oklahoma City in the only team that can beat the Warriors in the playoffs
Yes, including San Antonio. The postseason is a completely different animal than the regular season, but the two matchups between the Warriors and Thunder have been MUCH closer than any other set of games Golden State has played this year. Though Golden State has won both contests, OKC is the only team to be tied with or have the lead over the Warriors in the last four minutes of a game on multiple occasions.
If Kevin Durant doesn't foul out last night, or if the Thunder don't turn it over at the end of regulation, they win that game last night. At the rate Golden State is blowing through the rest of the NBA, seeing them in tight games every night is something that needs to happen in the playoffs.
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