Missed shots and missed calls. Such was the theme of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder’s second-half rally led them to a 108-102 victory over the Golden State Warriors. While the Thunder were the benefactors of a controversial no-call against Russell Westbrook’s travel late in the fourth quarter, the 27-year-old’s 19-point second half was the major factor in the Thunder’s early series lead.
The Warriors’ shooting issues allowed the Thunder to take advantage late in the game, which sent the better part of the 19,596 in attendance quietly into the Oakland night. Warriors fans have yet to feel the pressure of being down in a series this postseason, and it appears that hope of a second straight title has begun to waver – at least in terms of ticket demand on the resale market.
A bitter Game 1 loss has allowed prices on the secondary market for Game 2 Wednesday night at Oracle Arena. According to TiqIQ the average resale price for Warriors vs Thunder tickets on Wednesday is now $512.21, down just 10 cents on average since Monday morning. However, the get-in price has fallen from $255 on Monday to $174 Tuesday afternoon, marking a 32% dive after Game 1.
A similar price drop has occurred for potential Games 5 and 7 back in Oakland. The average price for Game 5 Warriors vs Thunder tickets have fallen 6% on average since the end of Game 1, dropping from Monday’s average of $673.73 to $632.83 Tuesday afternoon. The cheapest ticket now starts from $275, a 6% drop from the $293 get-in price on Monday. A possible Game 7 is still the most expensive game of the series at an average price of $1,071.74, but that has dropped 5.3% from Monday’s average of $1,132.50. The cheapest ticket is now $391.
Declining ticket prices may interest fans who have plans to travel to the Bay Area for an upcoming game, however. As prices continue to dip, those driving to the game can find deals on Oakland parking within walking distance to the front gates of Oracle Arena. Similar deals exist for parking in Oklahoma City for all Thunder home games.
For the paying fan interested in attending an upcoming game in Oklahoma City, however, the Thunder have experienced an adverse effect on the secondary market. All three potential home games have increased in average price Monday’s Game 1 win. Game 3 next Monday is currently averaging $595.36, up 4% from Monday’s $574.86 average. A potential clinching Game 4 now owns a $704.16 average, which is 29% higher than Monday’s average of $545.37. Should the series extend to a Game 6, tickets now own a $886.15 average. That is 8.3% higher than the $818.14 average the game owned on Monday.
