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Oklahoma City Thunder 120, Golden State Warriors 109: 2011-2012 Game 19 Quick Recap; Force of Nature

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Yahoo! Sports Box Score:

What is your initial reaction to tonight's result?

It was yet another Warriors fourth quarter collapse. They managed to keep up with the Thunder all game, but they hit a shooting slump, committed a few turnovers, and the Thunder took full advantage. Oh yeah, and Kevin Durant is an AWESOME basketball player. If you didn't already know.

What was tonight's turning point?

With 5:43 to go in the fourth, the Warriors were down by 6. Bang, a Durant 3 off of the inbounds play. Bang, a missed Curry layup attempt. Bang, a Durant Ally-Oop. All of a sudden, the Thunder are up by 11.

What was, overall, the main reason the Thunder lost/won?

I'd chalk it up to the Warriors lack of a center. Andris Biedrins was in the doghouse because he can't play offense, which left the Warriors really thin down low. Rookie Jeremy Tyler actually saw significant minutes, but it didn't prevent the Thunder from getting to the line and into the post easily.

What's the key statistic to understanding tonight's game?

19 Offensive Rebounds. The Thunder's offense really stalled out at some points, and was resorting to isolation plays on every trip down the floor. But the offensive rebounds the Thunder were able to get kept them alive.

What does this game mean for the Thunder today and moving forward?

It doesn't really reveal anything new, as the Thunder have had offensive flow and turnover problems. But it shows their ability to dominate a game when they need to and not fall victim to a trap game. It also lets us keep the best record in the NBA!

Thunder Wonder: Kevin Durant, 37 Points, 13 Rebounds, 3 Assists

Thunder Down Under: Russell Westbrook, 28 Points, 6 Rebounds, 11 Assists, 7 Steals

Thunder Blunder: Kendrick Perkins, for another stupid technical foul.

Thunder Plunderer: Dorell Wright, 23 Points, 9 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 2 Steals

Next Game: At the Los Angeles Clippers, Monday, January 30th, 9:30 PM Central Standard Time