Thunder crushes the Warriors stripped of their stars

Facing the Warriors without their “Big 3”, the Thunder took a few minutes to get into the match. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes aim and the defending NBA champions limit Golden State to 8/23 shots to take control of the game (34-23).

However, the Warriors are holding on. Brandin Podziemski (12 points) and Will Richard (13 points, 5 rebounds) took advantage of the relaxation of their opponents and opened the second quarter with a 13-4 (38-36).

Mark Daigneault’s timeout brings things back into focus. Chet Holmgren (15 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks) is uncompromising under the circle, Aaron Wiggins (15 points) and Ajay Mitchell (11 points, 6 assists) hit from a distance, and the Thunder responds with a sharp 19-0 (57-36). Moses Moody (13 points) limits the damage this time, but Lou Dort’s 3-pointer at halftime keeps OKC at +19 (64-45).

The demonstration continues after returning from the dressing room. The Warriors offense continues to struggle to shoot 32% as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 14 of his team’s 31 points to push the margin over thirty points (89-56)! A logical stop for Golden State, who will try to get back to winning ways tonight against the Jazz.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Metronome Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. After a rough start, the 2025 MVP quickly bounced back against the decimated Warriors. After him, the Thunder made the first deficit of the match at the end of the first quarter. They had a second down to end the half, and his 14 points in the third quarter definitely put the game away. SGA was up for good at the end of the third period, with 30 points on 50% shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander starts in 2026 on the same basis as 2025.

Will Richard continues to impress. In a game that was almost lost, Will Richard was once again one of the bright spots for the Warriors. Novak was certainly clumsy (13 points, 5/15 shooting), but he once again showed why his place in Steve Kerr’s rotation has solidified. The wing was aggressive on Gilgeous-Alexander, stealing the ball twice and showing the ability to attack the Thunder’s stout defense with the ball in hand. He has the perfect profile of a “3&D” player that can help Golden State’s “Big 3”.

The Warriors prioritize the rest of the month. Facing the defending champion, the Warriors rested Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and D’Anthony Melton. The analysis was simple for Golden State: even at full strength, beating the Thunder would be difficult. They decided to give their key players an extra day off to take advantage of the 10 other home games they will play in January at the Chase Center. It’s now or never for the Warriors to get back into the top 6 in the West.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.