MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Kevin Durant posted a game-high 33 points and Russell Westbrook added 30 as the Oklahoma City Thunder manhandled defending champions Golden State Warriors in Game 3, 133-105, of the NBA Western Conference Finals Sunday, May 22 (Monday, May 23 in Manila).
The Thunder, who broke the game wide open in the third quarter, led by as much as 39 points late in that period as the Warriors collapsed and committed turnover after turnover.
Golden State, which had a record-breaking 73-win regular season, never threatened in a successful comeback for Oklahoma City Thunder after a lopsided loss in Game 2.
"We have got to keep the same intensity, same attack mode," said Westbrook, who added 12 assists, 8 rebounds, and two steals to his output for the near triple-double. "They didn't have the best record in the NBA for nothing. We've got to come back with the same mindset and play with the same intensity."
Durant also registered 8 rebounds and shot 10-of-15 from the field.
Either the Warriors or Thunder will face the Eastern Conference winner, the Toronto Raptors or Cleveland Cavaliers, in next month's NBA Finals.
Oklahoma City sparked the highest-scoring performance by any team in any NBA playoff game this year.
"We've got a physical team, an athletic team and we tried to use that to the best of our ability," Westbrook said. "Our guys do a great job of putting in the work every day. My job is to put the ball in their hands."
Serge Ibaka had 14 points, 8 rebounds, and two blocks, while Andre Roberson and Dion Waiters had 13 points each. Enes Kanter added 10 markers to round out the double-digit scoring for the Thunder.
Steph Curry led Golden State with 24 points on 3-of-11 shooting from deep. Klay Thompson had 18 points.
Draymond Green turned out to be the highlight of the match after he was called for a flagrant foul penalty 1 after an apparent kick to the groin of Steven Adams in the first half.
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The play will reportedly be reviewed with a Game 4 suspension a possibility for Green. Green finished with only 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The series continues on Tuesday, May 24 (Wednesday, May 25 in Manila). The Warriors have not lost two games in a row this season just yet. – with reports from Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com