Hoops Habit
Fansided

Oklahoma City Thunder: How They Have Taken Control Of Series vs. Warriors

By James D. Tillman III

May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) blocks the shot of Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) blocks the shot of Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) react during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) react during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Andre Roberson Has Become Legitimate X-Factor

Coming into this series, Andre Roberson wasn’t considered an essential part of the Thunder’s attack. He averaged just 4.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest during the regular season and scored a total of 12 points in Games 1 and 2.

In the last two outings however, it has been a different story. With the Warriors opting not to guard him, Roberson scored 13 points and pulled down six rebounds in Game 3.

Figuring that his production from Game 3 was an aberration, the Warriors stuck to the same strategy in Game 4.

What were the results?

Roberson made them pay again, scoring 17 points on 7-for-12 shooting, to go along with 12 boards, five steals and three assists.

To further illustrate how important Roberson has become for the Thunder, he averaged just 22 minutes per outing during the season and 18 minutes per contest in the first two games.

In Games 3 and 4, Roberson played 35 and 40 minutes, respectively, and has become a valuable part of the rotation at both ends of the floor.

Next: No. 4

Home/Oklahoma City Thunder