The Oklahoma City Thunder dismantled the Golden State Warriors 131-94 without their stars, exposing a depth crisis as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exploded for 30 points and seven assists, while the Warriors’ bench struggled to fill the void left by Curry, Butler, and Green.
San Francisco — The Golden State Warriors’ absence of their big three — Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green — wasn’t just a lineup adjustment; it was a seismic shift in their identity. Facing the Oklahoma City Thunder without those pillars, the Warriors were overwhelmed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 30-point, 7-assist performance and the Thunder’s suffocating defense. The result? A 131-94 rout that exposed a deeper issue: the Warriors’ bench simply isn’t equipped to carry the load when their stars are sidelined.
“We weren’t well organized, we didn’t compete well together, disappointing,” said head coach Steve Kerr after the loss. “Obviously playing them, the best team in the league, but I thought we could have been a lot better.”
Golden State’s offensive woes were stark. They shot just 36% from the field and 29.5% from beyond the arc — a far cry from their season-high 24 three-pointers against Charlotte. Their offense lacked rhythm, and their defense couldn’t contain Gilgeous-Alexander, who shot 50% from the field and converted all seven of his free throw attempts. The Thunder’s 26-9 run in seven minutes to close the second quarter was the tipping point, building a 64-45 halftime lead that became insurmountable.
The Warriors’ rotation, led by Moses Moody, Al Horford, and rookie Will Richard, each scored 13 points — a collective effort that was admirable but insufficient. “I feel like for us, we got to make it a lot easier on ourselves by creating easy shots to get each other going,” Richard told USA TODAY Sports. “Maybe getting backdoor cuts, making the right play and getting somebody open. I feel like that’s how you can get yourself out of (a slump).”
But the Warriors’ problems weren’t just offensive. Their defensive lapses allowed the Thunder to stretch the floor and exploit mismatches. Gilgeous-Alexander, a master of drawing fouls, was rarely bothered, and his ability to create his own shot was too much for Golden State’s secondary defenders to handle. The Thunder’s largest lead reached 33, and by the end of the third quarter, they led 95-66 — a gap that would only widen in the fourth.
Warriors’ Keys to Recovery
Fill Some Big Shoes: With Curry, Butler, and Green sidelined, Golden State needs someone to step up — and fast. Six players scored in double figures, but none of them came close to the level of those three. The Warriors’ bench must become more consistent, especially in high-leverage moments.
Make Every Possession Count: The Thunder are a team that thrives on efficiency. When the Warriors miss their stars, they must be smarter on both ends. Offensively, they need to create high-percentage shots and limit turnovers. Defensively, they must pressure the perimeter, contain the paint, and force turnovers to keep pace.
Continue Heater from Deep: The Warriors made a season-high 24 three-pointers against Charlotte, but they shot just 29.5% against Oklahoma City. Their shooters need to be more consistent, especially with Curry out. Golden State’s offense must rely on spacing and rhythm, not just volume.
Keep SGA Off the Free Throw Line: Gilgeous-Alexander is a master at drawing fouls. The Warriors’ defenders must be more disciplined in their positioning and angles. They need to be smart, not aggressive — and they need to be more physical without fouling.
What’s Next for the Warriors?
Jan. 3 vs. Utah Jazz
Jan. 5 at Los Angeles Clippers
Jan. 7 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Jan. 9 vs. Sacramento Kings
Jan. 11 vs. Atlanta Hawks
➤ Golden State Warriors complete 2025-26 schedule
For more insight into the Warriors’ roster and depth chart, check out USA TODAY Sports and Yahoo Sports.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Warriors’ next five games and how they’ll address their depth issues. Onlytrustedinfo.com delivers the fastest, most authoritative analysis — right here, right now.
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