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Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 keys to victory against the Golden State Warriors

By Kenneth Teape

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 11: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors on February 11, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 11: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors on February 11, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 keys to victory against the Golden State Warriors
Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. Don’t be afraid to go small

The Warriors changed the landscape of the NBA with their Lineup of Death. With Draymond Green playing center, the Warriors are extremely difficult to match up with. That Death Lineup became even more deadly with Kevin Durant manning the 4. Conventional wisdom would say playing small would be a poor idea, but it is something the Thunder cannot be afraid to do.

The Thunder’s roster had a major talent upgrade this offseason. Paul George and Carmelo Anthony headlined it, but Patrick Patterson was a good signing as well. This is the type of game he will be needed as the Thunder can rely on him as a small-ball center. Jerami Grant has also been a valuable bench piece and should see more minutes against the Warriors in smaller lineups.

Last season, small-ball is something the Thunder couldn’t compete with. They just didn’t have the firepower to keep up. This season they are better equipped to do so. A lineup of with some combination of Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Jerami Grant, Carmelo Anthony, Patrick Patterson and Andre Roberson in a small-ball lineup should be able to do some damage.

The situation will dictate who plays. Do the Thunder need more defenders? Then Roberson and Grant can be inserted. Do they need to go more offensive-minded? They have Patterson to fill that role.

Billy Donovan has some flexibility and maneuverability with his lineups this season. It will help when trying to combat a deep, talented Warriors roster that can play virtually any style of basketball.

Oklahoma City found some success going small when Steven Adams was sidelined for three games. They cannot be afraid to go back to that for stretches against the Warriors if they are in need of a spark.

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