Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) in the first half at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Mon Jan 30, 2023 (AP News photo)
Golden State Wins Despite Thunder Challenge 128-120
By Barbara Mason
Two teams with close to identical records clashed Monday night. The Golden State Warriors (26-24) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (24-26) met at Paycom Center. This was important meeting for both teams and the Warriors factored in when it came to seeding and tiebreak purposes. The Warriors came away with the win 128-120 guard Stephen Curry led with 38 points.
The Warriors had a great start in the opening quarter scoring 38 points and leading after the first 12 minutes 38-20. The Thunder won the second quarter by the slim margin of 28-25 and the Warriors held onto a nice lead at the half 63-48.
The Thunder have been very good in the second half of games lately winning nine games of their last 13. Golden State would have to hunker down in the second half.
The Thunder won the third quarter 37-31 and after three quarters had trimmed a 21 point deficit to nine points and the Thunder were making quite a comeback.
The Warriors offense went cold in the fourth quarter and with 8:11 left they had a two point lead 100-98. The empty possessions had to stop and the Warriors had to get some stops.
At 2:34 the Warriors made their move taking a 115-107 lead. They did it forcing the Thunder into turnovers and some timely three’s from Jordan Poole and Curry. The Warriors had won three in a row.
Curry had an amazing game scoring 38 points and 12 assists. Draymond Green also had 12 assists and nine rebounds. Klay Thompson had 28. Andrew Wiggins had a far improved game with 15 points and four rebounds. Poole also finished with 15 points. It was an all-around win with some great defense and some great execution of shots late in the game.
This three-game road series moves on to Minnesota taking on the Timberwolves Wednesday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.
Sports Radio Service 