Warriors Take Game 2 of Western Conference Finals to Even Series Against Thunder

OAKLAND – Facing the prospect of going down 0-2 in the Western Conference Finals, the Warriors cleared their collective throats and delivered an emphatic response.

Their 118-91 victory over Oklahoma City in Game 2 Wednesday night before a roaring sellout crowd at Oracle Arena evened the series and, in the process, seemed to bring out the best in Stephen Curry.

Curry scored 28 points, including 17 in a stunning third-quarter shooting display, to lead all Warriors scorers. Klay Thompson had 15 points, Andre Iguodala 14 and Festus Ezeli and Marreese Speights each added 12. Draymond Green submitted 10 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

In leading by as much as 34, the Warriors outrebounded the Thunder, 45-36 – the first time in five games this season they’ve owned that category. The Warriors committed only 11 turnovers, while scoring 23 points off 16 OKC giveaways.

The Warriors’ bench also routed the Thunder reserves, outscoring them 50-29.

Forward Kevin Durant led OKC with a game-high 29 points. Guard Russell Westbrook totaled 16.

STANDOUT PERFORMER:

It was, if you will, a Green Curry kind of night.

Curry’s line: 28 points (9-of-15 from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point distance), three assists and two rebounds. He played 30 minutes and finished plus-24 for the night.

Green’s line: 10 points (4-of-9, 2-of-4), eight rebounds, seven assists and two blocked shots. He played 32 minutes and finished plus-24.

TURNING POINT:

Though the Warriors never trailed by more than 1 point, they didn’t take full command until going on a 17-4 run in the third quarter.

After the Thunder closed to 64-57 on an Andre Roberson drive with 7:23 left in the quarter, the Warriors followed Curry until OKC was reeling, taking an 81-61 lead on Klay Thompson’s two free throws with 4:32 remaining in the third.

Curry was the catalyst of the run, scoring 12 consecutive Warriors points in a span of 89 seconds. His 17-point total for the quarter required less than five minutes.

INJURY UPDATE:

Warriors: F Kevon Looney (L hip surgery) was listed as out and, along with F James Michael McAdoo (healthy) placed on the inactive list.

Thunder: No injuries listed. F Josh Hustis and F Mitch McGary were placed on the inactive list.

WHAT’S NEXT:

Game 3 is set for Sunday at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.