The most dominant team in this decade, the Golden State Warriors, have been completely ripped apart last night in Oklahoma City. Steve Kerr’s guys lost against OKC Thunder 120-92, suffering one of the most unpleasant defeats this generation has experienced.
The home team took the lead after 18 seconds into the game and never looked back, having a 40-point lead at one moment. Warriors’ team looked crushed, demotivated, and above all helpless on the floor of the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
“I didn’t have a feeling that it would be like this. You kind of figured (expletive) won’t be the same, but I didn’t think we’d be getting our (expletive) kicked like this. It’s pretty bad,” said Draymond Green, who seems to be very frustrated with the way things are going for his team in the recent few days.
The first period ended with 35-20 in favor of the OKC. The score at the halftime was 70-37. It is by far the worst offensive production of the Warriors seen in a long time. Believe it or not, GSW made just five three-pointers in 33 attempts, which is 15.2%, while on the other side, the Thunder had 46.9%, or 15 for 32.
Although many believe that the offense might be a problem for the three-time champs, the fact is that their defense struggles a lot. They set a franchise-record of 261 points allowed in two straight games, and let both of their opponents to have extremely high shooting percentages from the field.
“Everybody loved our offense, but it wasn’t our offense that was making us great,” Green added. “It was our defense. I’ve said that for years. Our defense right now is nonexistent.”
One of the best defenders in the league wasn’t the only one frustrated last night in OKC, as D’Angelo Russell got ejected after receiving two technical fouls in the span of few seconds. The former Nets All-Star got into an argument with the officials because he believed that they didn’t call for an apparent foul on him.
Russell was 3 of 10 in this match, with just 6 points, 2 assists. In the opening two contests, D-Lo posted 9 of 26 from the field and still hasn’t found the proper rhythm.
Steph Curry scored 23 points for 30 minutes on the floor, shooting 2 for 9 behind the three-point line. The two-time MVP also had 8 boards and 5 assists. Green, Marquese Chriss, and Erik Paschall all had 10 points each.
On the other side, Dennis Schroeder came in off the bench and scored a team-high for the hosts, 22 points, adding 8 rebounds, 6 dimes, and 4 steals. Veteran Italian forward Danilo Gallinari had 21 with 4 threes, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 15 with 9 rebounds.
Up next, Billy Donovan’s crew travels to Houston to face their two former players, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. The game against the Rockets will be played already today. It will be very interesting to see this matchup.
Meanwhile, the Warriors get to play with the young Pelicans in New Orleans also today, before heading back home and meeting the Phoenix Suns.
