Kristaps Porzingis returns, SGA nears Chamberlain
OKLAHOMA CITY — When the Warriors performed towards the Thunder at Paycom Center on Saturday, they went towards a star in pursuit of historical past.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had scored 20 or extra factors in 124 consecutive video games, simply two off tying the NBA customary set by former Warrior Wilt Chamberlain in 1963.
If one takes a fast flip by the NBA document e-book, they’ve a excessive chance of encountering Chamberlain’s title, no matter which web page they land upon. So anytime a participant is in place to usurp one of many former Warrior’s information from the league’s early days, it’s worthy of notice.
Gilgeous-Alexander put up 27, ending the evening only one sport away from matching Chamberlain.
But the undermanned Warriors made the equally shorthanded Thunder work for it in Golden State’s 104-97 loss to the defending champs. After lacking the earlier six video games with sickness, Kristaps Porzingis scored 9 in simply 22 minutes. Brandin Podziemski put up 17 factors and Gui Santos scored 22.
Neither workforce was at full energy.
Steph Curry (runner’s knee) and Moses Moody (proper wrist) have been each dominated out, and Will Richard was questionable with an ankle harm and ended up not enjoying.
The Thunder have been down All-Stars Chet Holmgren (flu) and Jalen Williams (hamstring), in addition to rotation gamers Alex Caruso (hip) and Isaiah Hartenstein (calf).
With world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay sitting courtside, the Warriors trailed 34-28 on the finish of the primary quarter, after which 67-54 at halftime. The Thunder hardly cooked them by 24 minutes, however the defending champs appeared to all the time have a solution for any Warrior basket.
That shifted for a second within the third quarter, when the Warriors lower the deficit to 75-70 after Porzingis handed out of a double workforce for a Podziemski 3-pointer, after which tied it at 77 all when he made one other good cross to Malevy Leons for a triple. The Thunder’s dearth of measurement meant the Warriors have been capable of rating 42 within the paint.
The Warriors have been capable of lower the benefit to 94-90 halfway by the fourth on a Santos dunk, however 4 straight Thunder factors compelled coach Steve Kerr to name timeout. Instead of folding down eight, the Warriors continued to struggle.
Gui Santos roared to the group after ending a layup by contact to make the deficit simply 99-97 with two minutes left.
But Gilgeous-Alexander confirmed why he’s an MVP frontrunner with 42 seconds remaining, burying a cold-blooded 3-pointer off the dribble to push the Thunder result in 102-97 and primarily ice the sport.
The Warriors (32-31) will end their three-game street journey to Utah on Monday.
Draymond’s powerful assignments
Draymond Green has a resume of few stoppers in NBA historical past can boast, with 9 All-Defense picks and a Defensive Player of the Year honor to his title.
Even at 36, he’s nonetheless among the many greatest within the league at locking down his matchup.
And relating to matchups, few gamers have confronted a three-game gauntlet fairly like what Green has skilled this week. On Monday, I confronted Kawhi Leonard.
Thursday noticed him tackle former teammate Kevin Durant in Houston. Then Green completed his week towards reigning MVP Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander acquired his, however shot simply 6 of 15.
Santos, Podziemski sturdy
Santos has been probably the most nice surprises of the season, going from enjoying minimal minutes to a constant starter with a brand new 3-year contract. The Brazilian reached one other milestone, scoring 20 for the primary time in his profession and starting his path to matching Wilt.
Podziemski was one of many heroes of Thursday’s time beyond regulation victory in Houston, pouring in seven factors throughout the additional interval. He carried over that sturdy type into Saturday’s sport.
But as he has been a theme this season, Podziemski made an affect with extra than simply his scoring. Facing one of many league’s most athletic guard rooms, he grabbed six rebounds and dished out six assists.
