How Important Game 4 Is For The Thunder As Hard Work Pays Off In game 3?

The Thunder where successful in stealing a win from the Clippers on their home court behind a complete performance from the entire Thunder roster. In the process, the Thunder became the first team in this season to successfully  win a game in which the Clippers led after 3 quarters. Kevin Durant had 36 points, 6 assists, and 8 rebounds, shooting 14 out of 24 from the field, while Westbrook had 23 points, 13 assists, 8 rebounds, shooting 7 out of 14 from the field. Role players such as Reggie Jackson and Caron Butler combined for 28 points as the Thunder beat the Clippers 118-112 to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Game 4 is  an important opportunity for the Thunder, as game 5 will take place in Chesapeake arena. This means that if the Thunder step up again in game 4 as they did in game 2 and 3, they will have a big opportunity in closing out the series against the Clippers in OKC.  The Thunder players are going to be externally and internally ready as they are already in the lead and their mission is to achieve one more win in front of their fan base. The Clippers players are going to be facing a lot of pressure and the players will not be comfortable, and will some how be nervous. In addition, the situation will be so difficult on them especially that they are facing a tough opponent. Therefore, the Thunder should take advantage of that precious opportunity and seek a win in game 4.

In case the Thunder do win game 4 as well as game 5, this will make them advance to the Western Conference Finals quickly which will be in their favor actually as they will have more time to practice and prepare themselves for the conference finals. This will be helpful because it looks like the Spurs are close to sweeping the Trail Blazers. Therefore, ending the series in game 5 will benefit the Thunder in terms of preparation for the upcoming conference finals round.

The Thunder played very well. The key of their win was Russell Westbrook playing very well and doing his job as point guard, unlike the way he played vs the Grizzlies where he forced many bad shots instead of passing the ball. The team passed the ball more often, and got players such as Ibaka, Jackson, and Butler involved. If the Thunder continue playing on the same rhythm, there is actually a big chance they will close up the series on the Clippers in game 5, but they must not forget to take care of business today.