Curry’s Historic Night Leads Warriors to OT Win Over Thunder

In an overtime thriller and a historic night for Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder to reach 53-5 and clinch a playoff berth.

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From the tip-off, the Thunder were able to knock down their first three shots, starting the game with an 8-0 run. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook spearheaded Oklahoma City’s first quarter attack, and the Thunder led 16-5 with 7:51 left in the quarter. Strong half-court defense and their ability to respond with successful fast break possessions allowed the Thunder to maintain their double-digit lead.

To combat their strong perimeter defense, Stephen Curry and the Warriors looked to drive into the paint and earn their points from the foul line. Yet any instance where Golden State managed to chip away at the deficit, the Thunder responded with a successful offensive possession. Durant led all scorers with ten points in the first twelve minutes, as Oklahoma City won the first quarter 30-20.

Early on to begin the second quarter, the Thunder and Warriors’ respective second-units went back-and-forth, each responding by scoring points in the paint. Andre Iguodala provided a much needed spark for Golden State, scoring ten points off the bench to reduce the deficit to just six. After subbing Westbrook back into the game, the Thunder rebuilt their lead to double digits, leading the game 40-30 halfway through the second quarter.

After calling a timeout, Curry subbed back into the game and naturally ignited an 11-2 run, knocking down his second and third three-pointers of the game to cut Oklahoma City’s lead to just one. In response, Westbrook and Durant combined to once again build the Thunder lead to double digits. At the half, Golden State trailed 57-46. Durant led all scorers with 21 points, and Curry led Golden State with 15 first half points.

The second-half began with caution for Golden State, as Curry headed to the locker room within the first few minutes after rolling his right ankle, and with the added force of Westbrook coming down on top of him after a layup attempt. Subsequently, Golden State looked to Klay Thompson to carry the offensive load, scoring ten points within the first five minutes of the second half.

With the deficit still at single digits, Curry came back into the game after a reported tweaked ankle. For Steph it was business as usual, coming off a screen and knocking down his fifth three, subsequently hitting his sixth three of the game not long after. After going back-and-forth, the Thunder led 83-78 after three quarters. Durant and Curry led all scorers with 30 points and 26 points respectively.

Beginning the fourth quarter the Warriors were unable to capitalize on some good look passes by Steph Curry. The defending champs also failed to capitalize on a few Thunder turnovers, as Oklahoma City managed to keep the lead close to double digits. With close to three minutes remaining, Steph hit a clutch three to cut the lead to just three points. After a few Thunder possessions, again Steph Curry came in clutch with his ninth three-pointer of the game to cut the Thunder lead to just two points.

With a corner three by Thompson, the Warriors were down by just one with 27 seconds left to go in the game. After excellent half-court defense, Durant himself came through in the clutch, hitting a three to bring the Thunder to a four point lead with just 14 seconds left in the fourth. After a quick layup by Thompson, Durant committed a turnover and with a last second shot attempt, Oklahoma City fouled Iguodala to send him to the free throw line. With the game on the line, the Finals MVP hit two clutch free throws to send the game into overtime.

Starting OT, the Thunder began with a 5-0 run, and Golden State responded with Curry attacking the basket, drawing a foul on Durant to foul him out of the game. After breaking his own NBA record by knocking down his eleventh three pointer, Thompson hit one from beyond the arc to once again cut the lead to one.

After an Andre Roberson layup, Thompson converted the and-one to tie the game 118-118. In typical MVP fashion, Curry not only tied the NBA record with twelve three-pointers in the game, but he hit the game-winning three-pointer from 32 feet out. Golden State came away with the win, 121-118 to go to 53-5 and secure a spot in the postseason.

Curry ended the game with 46 points, Thompson added 32 and Iguodala also contributed a double-digit scoring output.

Tale of the Tape

Warriors

• Field-goal percentage: 47.4% (45-95)
• Three-point percentage: 43.8% (14-32)
• Rebounds: 32
• Assists: 25
• Turnovers: 11

Thunder

• Field-goal percentage: 47.9% (46-96)
• Three-point percentage: 34.6% (9-26)
• Rebounds: 62
• Assists: 23
• Turnovers: 22

Good to Know

What’s on Tap

The Warriors head back home to Oracle Arena for their second matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.