Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his offensive brilliance, scoring 35 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a narrow 105-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night at the Chase Center. The Thunder’s standout guard made clutch plays down the stretch, helping his team secure their third consecutive win despite a late surge from the Warriors.
The Warriors, playing without Stephen Curry due to knee soreness, suffered their third straight loss despite a balanced scoring effort led by Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green’s double-double.
Thunder Survive Late Push by Warriors
After dominating early and building a 19-point lead, the Thunder found themselves in a precarious position as the Warriors stormed back in the fourth quarter. Buddy Hield’s three-pointer gave Golden State a 94-93 lead with 8:14 remaining, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
With their backs against the wall, Oklahoma City turned to Gilgeous-Alexander, who delivered when it mattered most. The All-Star guard hit two crucial three-pointers in the final minutes, the first tying the game with 4:11 left and the second giving the Thunder a 100-96 lead with just over a minute to play.
Golden State continued to fight, as Andrew Wiggins drained a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 102-101 with 11.1 seconds left. However, Gilgeous-Alexander’s composure at the free-throw line, combined with a clutch block by Lu Dort on a Wiggins runner, sealed the victory for Oklahoma City.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Dominance
Gilgeous-Alexander was the heartbeat of the Thunder offense, scoring 35 points on 13-of-28 shooting. He complemented his scoring with nine rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, including two vital free throws to clinch the win. This marked his seventh 30-point performance of the season, further cementing his status as one of the NBA’s elite guards.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stuffs the stat sheet to help the @okcthunder win in San Francisco!
Isaiah Joe: 17 PTS, 2 STL, 4 3PM
Isaiah Hartenstein: 14 PTS, 14 REB, 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/KNfgiQKkR6— NBA (@NBA) November 28, 2024
The Thunder’s victory was also a testament to their defensive prowess. Ranked as the league’s top defense, Oklahoma City held Golden State to just 35.7% shooting from the field and limited their impact from beyond the arc, with the Warriors shooting 32% on 16-for-50 three-point attempts.
Isaiah Hartenstein’s Continued Impact
Isaiah Hartenstein recorded his third consecutive double-double, contributing 14 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. His presence in the paint was instrumental in controlling the boards, particularly against a Warriors team struggling to find consistency without their star player.
Hartenstein’s performance was critical in a game where the Thunder lost Jalen Williams late in the first half due to an eye injury. Despite Williams’ absence, Hartenstein anchored the team defensively and provided valuable scoring support.
Warriors Fall Short Without Curry
The Warriors struggled offensively without Stephen Curry, who was sidelined with sore knees. Jonathan Kuminga led the team with 19 points, while Draymond Green delivered a solid all-around performance, notching a double-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.
Buddy Hield added 17 points, and Andrew Wiggins contributed 16, including the late three-pointer that gave the Warriors a glimmer of hope. Despite their efforts, Golden State’s inefficiency from the field proved costly, as they failed to capitalize on several opportunities to take control of the game in the final minutes.
Key Contributions From Both Teams
For Oklahoma City, Isaiah Joe provided a spark off the bench, scoring 17 points, while Jalen Williams managed 13 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and two steals before exiting the game due to injury. The Thunder’s ability to step up collectively in the absence of key players highlighted their depth and resilience.
On the Warriors’ side, Brandin Podziemski impressed with 12 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Kyle Anderson chipped in 10 points. Despite their balanced scoring, the Warriors struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm, particularly in crunch time.
Statistical Breakdown
- Field Goal Percentage: Thunder 45.9%, Warriors 35.7%
- Three-Point Shooting: Thunder 11-for-37 (29.7%), Warriors 16-for-50 (32.0%)
- Rebounds: Thunder 47, Warriors 44
- Assists: Thunder 21, Warriors 26
The Thunder’s efficiency from the field and defensive discipline ultimately made the difference in a tightly contested matchup.
Thunder Extend Win Streak, Warriors Look to Rebound
With their third consecutive win, the Thunder improved their standing in the Western Conference and continued to build momentum. Despite losing Jalen Williams, their collective effort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership allowed them to overcome adversity on the road.
The Warriors, meanwhile, are searching for answers as they navigate a three-game losing streak. Without Curry, their offensive struggles have been magnified, and the team will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the competitive Western Conference standings.
Looking Ahead
The Thunder’s victory over the Warriors highlights their defensive strength and the continued emergence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a game-changing player. As they prepare for their next matchup, Oklahoma City will aim to maintain their winning streak and solidify their position in the playoff race.
For the Warriors, the focus will be on addressing their offensive inconsistencies and finding ways to adapt without Stephen Curry. With key players like Draymond Green stepping up, Golden State will look to bounce back and end their losing skid in the coming games.
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