The last time the Oklahoma City Thunder came to Oracle Arena, they ran all over the Golden State Warriors for a 120-109 victory. This time around the W's were ready to run with the NBA's best, led by Monta Ellis' career-high 48 points and David Lee's second career triple double, but it would ultimately prove not enough as the Thunder held on late for the 119-116 victory.
After battling back to hold the Thunder to a two-point halftime advantage, the Warriors came out firing in the second half, holding the lead for the majority of the way there on in. The Thunder finally got the lead back with a Westbrook jumper at the top of the key with about two minutes remaining, then giving up an all too easy Kevin Durant dunk to swing the momentum in OKC's favor.
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But when the game gets close it's Monta time, with Elis forcing a clutch and-one runner to tie up the game again, and iced the free throw to give the W's back the lead with twenty seconds left. KD banked in a jumper instead of holding for the last shot to take back the lead, but gave the W's time for the last shot. They would miss, and ultimately fall despite their best efforts.
Lee had a solid but quiet six points, eight boards and five assists in the first half, but exploded for 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, the Warriors first triple double since December 23, 1993 when Chris Webber performed the feat against the Clippers. Lee's first career trip-dub actually came against the Warriors back in 2010.
As for Monta, he finished 18-29 along with seven rebounds, in a possible attempt to gain some All-Star votes as a reserve, dropping 30 of those points in the first half alone. Stephen Curry added 16 on 7-9 shooting, while Dorell Wright added 9. Brnadon Rush also had 9 from off the bench.
Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant would ultimately prove too much tonight, dropping 64 points combined with 31 and 33 respectfully. Daequan Cook was also big factor in keeping the Thunder in the game, hitting 5-6 from downtown for 17 points, while James Harden added 19.
Despite the Warriors getting career nights out of Ellis and Lee, out rebounding the Thunder 36-33, getting to the free throw line 23 times and shooting 55 percent from the field, they still come up with the loss. Real tough pill to swallow for the Warriors tonight.
For more on the Warriors, head over to Golden State of Mind. For the Thunder's side of things, check out Welcome to Cloud City.