Western Conference Finals: Game 5

Desperation.That’s the only way to describe the attitude of the Golden State Warriors as they headed into a must-win Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. A disappointing performance on the road in Oklahoma resulted in some heavy losses, and for the first time in twelve months, it appeared that the seemingly unbeatable Warriors wouldn’t even make it back to the Finals to try defend their crown. Setting NBA records during the regular season counts for nothing unless you end the season with a ring on your finger, and the Warriors know that.The defensive effort from OKC has been the key in forcing the defending NBA champions into turning the ball over, resulting in transitions points. Known as being one of the fastest teams in the league when it comes to offense, Golden State have been left in the dust of the Thunder throughout this series, as Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have pushed their team into the stratosphere.The biggest problem for opposition teams facing the Warriors this season has been guarding the Dubs’ shooters off the switch, leaving a big man to cover Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson. Steven Adams and Serge Ibaka have had no problem not only getting out to Curry and Thompson, but they have even been blocking their shots and getting into the heads two guys capable of changing the game. But in Game 5, early foul trouble sent Adams to the bench, and unleashed the long range attack from the home team.Continue reading this article over at Starting5Online.com