By BILL HAISTEN Sports Writer on May 27, 2012, at 2:54 PM Updated on 5/27 at 2:54 PM
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How did the Oklahoma State football team record 12 victories and capture the Big 12 championship last season? The Weeden-Blackmon chemistry was prominent, obviously, and so was this: The Cowboy defense forced 44 turnovers. OSU led the nation with a turnover margin of plus-21.
How can the Oklahoma City Thunder conquer San Antonio in the NBA’s Western Conference finals? By using the same formula that vaulted OSU to an unprecedented level of success – getting an elite level of productivity from superstars while winning in the turnover aspect of the game.
The Thunder must continue to get big scoring from Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, who during the postseason have combined for 67.8 points per game. Turnovers are an equally important element on the Oklahoma City stat line:
* In its final 14 games of the regular season, the Thunder lost seven times. In those defeats, OKC committed 120 turnovers. OKC was minus-41 on turnovers.
* Through nine playoff games, the Thunder is plus-18 on turnovers and has an 8-1 record.
* During the regular season, Oklahoma City’s average of 16.4 turnovers per game was the NBA’s worst.
* During the postseason, a 180-degree flip. Of the 16 teams that qualified for the playoffs, Oklahoma City has averaged the fewest turnovers (10.7 per game).
The turnaround centers on the ball-security improvement of Westbrook, who averaged 3.6 turnovers per game during the regular season. During the playoffs, he has averaged only 1.6 turnovers. In five games against the Lakers, he committed four turnovers.
If Oklahoma City’s turnover numbers in April had been similar to its turnover numbers in May, the Thunder wouldn’t have lost seven games in 23 days. OKC might have sustained its lead in the Western Conference pennant race. Tonight’s Game 1 and Tuesday’s Game 2 might have been played in Oklahoma instead of San Antonio.
April’s missteps will be forgotten if the Thunder beats San Antonio and surges to the NBA Finals.
-- Bill Haisten
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