After already suffering a tough loss in overtime to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chase Center in mid-November following a clutch bucket from Chet Holmgren at the buzzer, the Golden State Warriors found themselves in a similar position on Friday night.
Despite going up by as much as 14 points on the Thunder on Friday, the Warriors’ struggles with closing out games appeared again. However, Steph Curry came to the rescue when the Thunder mounted a comeback.
With the game tied, Curry nailed a high-arcing heroic 3-pointer to give the Warriors a three-point lead with only seconds on the clock. Yet, it was just enough time for Holmgren to strike again.
The Warriors attempted to foul Holmgren before he had the chance to get a shot off and send him to the line for two free throws. However, Draymond Green was late. Green made a crucial mistake, fouling Holmgren while he attempted to heave a 3-pointer, sending the Thunder forward to the line for three free throws.
After Holmgren sent the game to overtime with three made free throws, the Warriors had no answer for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren in overtime. The Thunder duo combined for 11 points in overtime to send the Warriors home with another rough loss.
On the way to their 138-136 loss in overtime, the Warriors committed a season-high 29 turnovers against the Thunder. Golden State’s 29 turnovers on Friday matched the most in the Steve Kerr era.
Following the Warriors’ collapse in Oklahoma City, the NBA community on Twitter exploded with reactions. Here’s a look at what fans and analysts were saying on Friday evening.
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Warriors have now been burned twice in opposite ways in the foul up 3 scenario against Chet Holmgren. Didn't foul in SF, he nails game-tying corner 3 at buzzer. Tried to foul tonight, Draymond Green called for it in act of shooting. Three free throws. He makes all three.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 9, 2023
.500 seems soooo far away for the Warriors
— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) December 9, 2023
The Warriors have now given away three straight road games. Up 24 in Sacramento, melted down in second half. Up 22 on Clippers in LA. Up 14 tonight in OKC. Turned it over 29 times. Fouled up three late to give Chet three free throws. Lost in OT. Record: 10-12.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 9, 2023
The Warriors' 29 turnovers tonight were the most in the Steve Kerr era. Their previous high was 27. This is their most as a franchise since February of 2002.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 9, 2023
It’s a squandered W, but a better showing
Rotation was good. Pace good. Energy good. Didn’t look overwhelmed. Last road games they blew, Ws led cuz they got hot from 3, cooled off and were lost
This one, they felt like aggressors. 29 TOs, 28 PFs and almost won. OKC’s just tough
— Marcus Thompson II (@ThompsonScribe) December 9, 2023
But fundamental problems remain.
They have 0 deterrence in paint. Fouls are partly from defending ISO so much with no rim protection
Off too reliant on motion vs overplaying defenses. Need consistent secondary playmaker
Limited athleticism, which places premium on decisions https://t.co/p2KrQukUHp
— Marcus Thompson II (@ThompsonScribe) December 9, 2023
From the postgame notes: The Warriors have lost their last five road games, losing their last three road contests by a combined four points.
— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) December 9, 2023
