The Golden State Warriors will meet the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals beginning in less than two hours. The Warriors will be looking to return to their second straight NBA Finals while the Thunder will be looking for their first trip since 2012.

In order for the Warriors to advance past the Thunder, Stephen Curry and the offense will need to focus on taking care of the basketball. For the season, the team averaged 16.4 turnovers in their nine losses this season and it will be tough to slow down the high-scoring Thunder if the Warriors are constantly giving them free possessions. Curry was tied for the second-most turnovers in the NBA with 4.3 per game during the regular season.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook feed off of breakaway dunks and points in transition which is why it makes it so important for Curry, Klay Thompson and Shaun Livingston to protect the ball. Westbrook is known for taking risks by going for steals which means the Warriors need to be ready to take advantage.

On the other end of the court, the Warriors need to take advantage of the Thunder’s turnovers. I mentioned earlier that Curry was tied for the second-most turnovers per game this season, and that someone he is tied with is Westbrook. In addition, Durant averaged 3.6 per game himself which was good for fifth-most. There will be a number of transition opportunities for the Warriors’ defense that they must capitalize on.