Despite the absence of several key players, this clash at the top of the Western Conference kept its promises in terms of intensity. And the Thunder of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (35 points) emerged victorious (101-105) of this tough battle where big defenses – two of the best in the league – and clumsiness were there.
The Thunder leader signed the most important shot of the game about a minute from the end, a 3-pointer on a stepback, before finishing the job on the free throw line. This big shot ended a rare sequence at this stage of a match where the score was frozen for almost three minutes.
Difficult to contradict the local TV commentators who had the impression of watching basketball from the 1990s, as both teams struggled to create good shots during this sequence. And thus to fuel the brand. The Thunder had suffered much less in this area, starting the match with a fanfare behind the sharp penetrations of their leader.
The Thunder lose Jalen Williams
Much more struggling with his long distance shot, the guard always found a way to sneak towards the circle. With him, OKC took a 16-point lead after 12 minutes (23-39). While Stephen Curry, injured in the knee, followed the events from the bench in civilian clothes, the locals gradually got back on track.
By being boosted by the flights to the circle of Jonathan Kuminga or the 3-point address of Buddy Hield. Despite their serious concern for skill, the Warriors, relying heavily on Draymond Green, tried to maintain fluidity in their ball circulation.
With a less flamboyant SGA, the Thunder attack in turn had more difficulty finding the circle.
Especially since the visitors lost Jalen Williams, hit in the eye when Kuminga took off for a big dunk, a little before the break. Result: there was only one point difference at the start of the fourth quarter (83-84). But in the trench battle that would follow (21-18), the Thunder would eventually come out on top.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The Warriors clumsy as ever. To come so close to victory with such a low level of skill is in itself a feat. By converting barely 36% of their attempts this night, the Warriors signed the worst skill night of their season. While several men from the bench, starting with Buddy Hield, brought offensive dynamics, most of the starters suffered in address. Too short and flat on his shots, Draymond Green sprayed from afar, just like Lindy Waters III or Andrew Wiggins, however author of an important shot in the last moments. Before being blocked on his layup to equalize in the last seconds…
– The Thunder consolidates its first place. By winning a third time in a row, the Thunder (14v-4d) consolidates its first place in the West by distancing itself from one of its direct pursuers. The Warriors (12v-6d), with three losses in a row, were overtaken by the Rockets in the standings, now 2nd.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
