Western Conference Finals Far From Over

NBA Playoffs: Thunder-Warriors Is Far From Over

Jan 22, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) and forward Kevin Durant (35) and forward Kyle Singler (5) celebrate during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) is greeted by center Enes Kanter (11) after a play against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Thunder: Need Game 5, Too

The obvious narrative is that the Golden State Warriors need to win Game 5. That, of course, is founded in the reality that, if Golden State fails to win Game 5, it will lose this series and watch the NBA Finals on television.

Dire as it may be for the Warriors to win, the Oklahoma City Thunder need Game 5, too.

Losing Game 5 would send the series back to Oklahoma City for what could be a decisive Game 6. That sounds ideal on paper, as the Thunder have won both of their home games in convincing fashion during this series.

If Oklahoma City were to lose Game 5, however, a new reality would set in: a loss in Game 6 would mean send the Thunder on the road for Game 7.

It’s hard enough winning one game at Oracle Arena—including the playoffs, Golden State is 46-3 at home in 2015-16. Thus, taking a Game 5 will be no easy task, especially with Golden State’s back against the wall—but far less so than a Game 7 that’d follow the loss of two straight games and momentum.

Oklahoma City has Golden State down and wounded, and it must go in for the kill in Game 5.

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