Game 1 Goes To Thunder, Despite Goaltending Controversy

Ever since the Thunder made the playoffs last year, I have treated playoff games similar to the way a 6 year old might treat Christmas morning. I count the days until the playoffs start and the seconds in between each game anxiously awaiting the next.

With the 1st game behind us, two things must be done. The first is I must post my thoughts and analysis of the game. That is what you are reading. Next, I must ATTEMPT to control my excitement until tomorrow night when I can unleash a fury of towel waving whilst screaming any noise I feel appropriate at the top of my lungs. Saddle up, things are about to get real.

The very beginning of the game felt eerily similar to the beginning of a nightmare I had the night before this game. I dreamt that OKC would come out with poor play exacerbated by no energy and missed shots. And that is exactly what happened. The Nuggets came out on fire jumping to a double digit lead early in the game. Having seen enough basketball, I was fairly confident that Denver wouldn't finish the game shooting 100% and also that OKC wouldn't finish the game shooting 1.5%, so I really wasn't that worried.

When things finally settled down, the Thunder started to play a more relaxed and free-flowing game. It is at these times when the athleticism of OKC really begins to shine. KD started to warm up creating this cup of confidence. When he continued to torch the nets, that cup runneth over spilling onto his teammates and spreading through the crowd. Once the crowd was ignited, the snowball of momentum started to pick up pace and culminated in a small run that brought OKC to within 1 at the half.

When the two teams jogged out to resume play, OKC managed to hold on to a piece of the buzz they took into halftime with them and continued their inspired play. Then, as if the Nuggets could get anything going right, Nene fell to the floor after banging knees with Kendrick Perkins. If there was any point in the game where the Thunder needed a run, it was with the talented Brazilian headed to the locker room for treatment.

As Kevin Durant entered "the zone", the basket turned into an ocean for the lanky superstar. He could have shot granny shots from half-court and I would have expected them to swish through. Then, for no apparent reason, Russell tried put his stamp on the game. Unfortunately, the time he tried to do so pushed Durant to the back-burner. I don't mind Russ having free reign, but that time that free reign is exercised in its fullest is the concern.

With the game coming to a close, every single play, shot, pass, turnover, foul, etc. became more and more important. In particular I am referring to the jumper by Westbrook that appeared to be touched by Kendrick Perkins while the ball was still in the cylinder. For those who haven't heard, the NBA has apologized for the ruling saying it should have been whistled for interference.

I admit, I initially thought the ruling was right. Apparently I saw what the referees claimed to see, or not see. While this did affect the game, it wasn't THE game changer. Denver could have done several things to win the game. Making free throws that haven't changed since middle school would be a start. Playing defense on either of the two all-stars for the other team also would have helped. Rules are rules. But, a win is still a win. Luckily for the Nuggets, this is a series, not just one game. In the end, the better team will move on.