Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Draymond Green (23)
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Draymond Green (23) look on during an NBA game.
Both Steph Curry and Draymond Green were out of action for the Golden State Warriors on Friday. With Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga also out injured, the Warriors suffered a 131-94 blowout loss at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The shorthanded Warriors stood no chance against reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30 points, seven assists) and the defending champions. It was an embarrassing 37-point loss for Golden State, which dropped to 18-17 on the season.
The silver lining for the Warriors is that they get a chance to put this deflating defeat behind them as they return to action on Saturday in a home game against the 12-21 Utah Jazz.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates with guard Stephen Curry (30)
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates with guard Stephen Curry (30)
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr was understandably disappointed following his team’s blowout loss on Friday. However, the four-time NBA champion coach provided some good news for Saturday’s game against Utah.
Kerr announced that Green, who sat out against OKC for rest purposes, will return to action on Saturday, per reporter Nick Freidell. This is a significantly positive development for the Warriors, who will get the former Defensive Player of the Year back following a one-game absence.
Kerr also shared an update on Curry’s injury situation after the two-time NBA MVP was forced to miss the Thunder game due to an ankle issue. Kerr said that he is hopeful Curry will be able to return on Saturday. However, with the Warriors coach unable to confirm Curry’s status, his availability will likely be determined closer to tip-off.
It’s a similar case for Butler, who is nursing an illness. His status against the Jazz also remains up in the air.
It was a terrible start to the new calendar year for the Warriors, but the fact that they were extremely shorthanded against a now 30-5 Thunder side has to count as some form of consolation.
Golden State will host the Jazz on Saturday, with tip-off from Chase Center scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET.