Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Draymond Green, Warriors
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts a shot in front of Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors were within striking distance late Saturday night until Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive blow.
With under a minute remaining and the Warriors trailing by just two points, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar isolated against Draymond Green and drilled a contested three-pointer that sealed a 104-97 victory for the Thunder.
The dagger capped off a competitive game between Western Conference rivals and handed Golden State another tough loss as it continues navigating injuries and lineup adjustments late in the season.
After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the significance of the moment — especially given the defender in front of him.
“Multiple DPOYs. Multiple Defensive Teams. Multiple championships,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He’s been the anchor to their championship defense for a decade. You don’t get many better looks than that as an offensive player. It was great. It was fun. Moments and matchups, opportunities like that are why you play. You would like to test yourself and see where you are against the best of the best.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Late Shot Over Draymond Green Seals Warriors Loss
The Warriors had battled back in the fourth quarter and trailed 99-97 when the decisive sequence unfolded.
Gilgeous-Alexander slowed the game down near the top of the floor, briefly bending over with his hands on his knees as the Thunder ran down the clock.
An Oklahoma City screen appeared to be coming, but the All-NBA guard waved it off.
He wanted the matchup with Green.
Gilgeous-Alexander dribbled to his right, created separation with a sidestep and buried a contested three-pointer over Green with 42.4 seconds remaining, pushing Oklahoma City’s lead to five and quieting the Warriors’ comeback attempt.
“In those moments, I just try to get to something that I’m comfortable shooting,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Over the years, I’ve tried to kind of work on things and add to that bag that I can go to, no matter where I’m on the floor and no matter which way they’re forcing me.”
Green attempted to force him toward his right hand.
It didn’t change the outcome.
“On that play, Draymond was forcing me to my right, so I knew I’d be able to get that shot off regardless,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I stepped into it with confidence and shot it. Whether I made it or missed it, I was going to shoot it the same way. Luckily, this time it went in.”
Warriors Fight Without Stephen Curry
Golden State entered the matchup short-handed once again.
Stephen Curry missed his 13th straight game due to right knee issues, leaving the Warriors without their franchise cornerstone against the defending champions.
Without Curry’s scoring and playmaking, Golden State leaned on several younger contributors to keep the game competitive.
Gui Santos delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, finishing with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Brandin Podziemski added 17 points, continuing his recent stretch of strong all-around play.
Green contributed 16 points, four three-pointers, five assists, four rebounds and two steals while setting the defensive tone throughout the night.
Despite the effort, the Warriors struggled offensively overall and finished shooting 40.9 percent from the field, allowing Oklahoma City to maintain control late.