Deprived of Stephen Curry, injured, and Draymond Green, suspended, the Warriors were no match for the Thunder. Mark Daigneault’s men finished the match with more than 50% shooting and 60% 3-point shooting, never really hampered by the opposing defense. On the Golden State side, Jonathan Kuminga (21 points, 6 rebounds) showed his advantage, as did Kevon Looney (13 points, 11 rebounds) who took 7 of his team’s 18 offensive rebounds.
For a team that has lost four in a row, Golden State started the game without the slightest energy and made a series of mistakes. Steve Kerr’s men lost 7 balls in the first quarter, including 4 to Andrew Wiggins alone, and they were unable to close down the middle in defense. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander then took the opportunity to install the Thunder’s “drive & kick”. His 11 points and 5 assists give Oklahoma City a 15-point lead (39-24). Their lead climbed to +19 before the trio Kevon Looney – Moses Moody – Dario Saric stopped the bleeding by ending the half with a 20-8 (67-60).
The Warriors come together then collapse
The Warriors continue their momentum in the third quarter. Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga muzzle Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and 9 points from the Congolese bring Golden State to -1 (84-83). Steve Kerr’s men, however, missed the mark. However, they will never pass by. OKC responds with a 13-2, benefiting from three new opposing defensive errors (97-85). They then hit the nail on the head, thanks to the sixth and seventh 3-pointers from Isaiah Joe (23 points), and a dunk from Chet Holmgren (13 points, 10 rebounds) to take a 21-point lead (119-98), and finally prevail128-109.
This is the fifth loss in a row for Golden State, including four at Chase Center. The two teams will meet again on Saturday at the Chase Center for their last face to face of the season.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Isaiah Joe Festival. From the start of the match, the Thunder players quickly realized that the Warriors could not limit their attacks from the circle. Worse still, Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey, Williams, and Micic delighted in attacking the middle non-stop, creating numerous open shots for their teammates. Isaiah Joe was the main beneficiary. The sharpshooter scored 23 points on 7-of-7 shooting from distance. He also trapped the Golden State defense three times with fake screens allowing him to break free on the move to hit the mark behind the 3-point line.
– The ghost of Klay Thompson. Stephen Curry absent, Klay Thompson has the opportunity to recover ticket shots and be the leader of the attack. The “Splash Brother” continues its journey through the desert with a terrible 1 out of 10 in shooting!
– Sprained right ankle for Gary Payton II. At the start of the second quarter, Gary Payton II intercepted the throw-in before causing Chet Holmgren to foul under the basket. The Warrior, however, fell on the foot of the OKC pivot. After remaining on the field, Payton finally went directly to the locker room. He did not return to play and could miss several games.
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.
