Golden State Warriors stave off Thunder comeback for third-straight win

The Golden State Warriors have staved off a spirit Oklahoma City Thunder comeback to record their third-straight win on Monday.

The reigning champions led by 21 early in the third-quarter, before the Thunder came storming back to cut the lead to two with less than four minutes remaining in the contest. But with experience on their side, the Warriors’ veterans ensured they wouldn’t collapse completely into another embarrassing road loss.

66 points from the splash brothers provided the backbone to the Golden State Warriors’ 128-120 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Stephen Curry put up 38 points in another dominant display from the two-time MVP, while he was ably supported by Klay Thompson (28) as the pair combined for 14 made threes on 28 attempts. Yet in a high-scoring game, it may have been two defensive possessions that proved the difference.

With OKC a chance to tie or take the lead in the final four minutes, the shifty Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had his game-tying attempt at the rim blocked by Kevon Looney. A push in transition led to a Jordan Poole triple in a massive five-point turnaround. Shortly after Draymond Green did what he does best — in a two-on-one for the Thunder in transition, Green baited Josh Giddey into a missed layup before finding Curry for a dagger three on the other end.

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Golden State put up 38 first-quarter points in a beautiful blueprint of their best offensive basketball. Every basket was assisted on, leading to a scintillating shooting display from Curry (13 points) and Thompson (ten points).

On the other end, the Warriors put the clamps on Gilgeous-Alexander. His only  field-goal came in the final seconds, having begun the game missing his first seven shots. It meant that OKC put up just 20 points in the first 12 minutes, leaving Golden State with a commanding 18-point lead after one.

The second period was much less efficient offensively, but the Warrior defense was steady enough to maintain a significant advantage at half-time. Their 12 made threes at 48% was the backbone of a 63-48 lead, with Curry (18) and Thompson (16) combining for 34 points over the first 24 minutes.

The Warriors began the third on a 6-0 run to extend the lead to a game-high 21, but from there the momentum turned in dangerous fashion. Gilgeous-Alexander began to heat up, slithering his way to the bucket frequently in what ended as a 31-point night for the Thunder star.

The lead was still nine going into the fourth, however a quick 13-6 run from OKC cut the lead to two with over eight minutes still remaining. The Warriors steadied briefly but the Thunder refused to go away, leaving a nervous final few minutes that brought flashbacks of the numerous road games that Golden State have blown this season.

It was the veteran four — Curry, Thompson, Green and Looney — who made sure the Warriors prevailed. Curry added 12 assists and eight rebounds to go with his 38 points, with Green also having 12 assists along with seven points and eight rebounds.

A returning Andrew Wiggins showed some positive signs with 15 points on 7-for-13 shooting, while Poole also contributed 15 points. Golden State shot 51.1% from the floor, 42.6% from three and knocked down 16 of their 20 free-throws, producing an offensive display that was ultimately too much for the young OKC outfit.

Not only was it important for their own record, but the Warriors’ win creates some separation between them and a Thunder team who’d entered with a 24-25 record. Golden State are now 26-24 on the season ahead of another game against a West rival in Minnesota on Wednesday.