The Golden State Warriors fell in another disappointing overtime loss on Friday night, their second in a row against a young and far less experienced Oklahoma City Thunder team.
It was the second time in less than a month that the Warriors had led by three points with less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation, only for Chet Holmgren to force overtime in demoralizing fashion.
The Golden State Warriors record in overtime games over recent seasons has been nothing short of abhorrent
Once Stephen Curry was unable to answer Holmgren's game-tying free-throws, the result almost felt assured in overtime. That's not only because of the soul-crushing way regulation ended for Golden State, but also because of their dismal overtime record across recent seasons.
As if a repeat of the November 18 overtime at Chase Center, the Thunder burst out of the blocks and quickly established a 10-point lead in the first three minutes and change. Curry led a minor fightback to reduce the final margin of victory to just two, but it was still an all too familiar tale for Golden State.
Draymond Green fouls Chet Holmgren on a 3-point attempt as the Dubs are up three with 7.2 seconds left ... pic.twitter.com/3yRc40HHI1
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 9, 2023
Friday's loss gives the Warriors a 3-17 record in their past 20 regular season overtime games dating back to the start of the 2018-19 season. That's a shockingly poor record for any team, let alone one that's been as successful as Golden State has been in the same period -- one championship, another trip to the NBA Finals and a second-round playoff exit.
The Warriors have a net rating of -40.9 in overtime games this season. They were -3.3 net rating in five overtime games last season. A -35 in the 2021-22 championship-winning season.
Golden State have come up big in so many crucial moments over the last decade -- leading to four titles -- yet their experience and championship mettle apparently means nothing in regular season overtime games over recent years.
What's the reasoning? It's hard to put a finger on it, but be rest assured some will wrongfully use it as a way to discredit Curry and his greatness. Whatever the cause, overtime losses seem inevitable right now which is a huge concern considering the Warriors are also struggling to close games in regulation.