Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. Prey on Shorthanded Warriors – 3 Takeaways as OKC Render Stephen Curry-Less Warriors Helpless

The Golden State Warriors are having a terrible time now. Losing Draymond Green for the next five games was a huge blow. In addition, Stephen Curry has joined the injury list now. But that has proved to be a great opening for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Gaining 128 points over a shorthanded Warriors, the OKC is coming off another win against the Spurs. Let’s take a look at the key takeaways of tonight’s game.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finds help to crush Warriors

The Thunder took control of the game early on. With just one minor difference – this time, it was a group effort. Isaiah Joe, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey showcased an exceptional night, contributing to the win. Compared to the stats he puts up, Shai had a decent game tonight, underwhelming compared to his standards.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the scoreboard with 24 at 28.6 FG%, which is honestly not his best game, but made up for it with 9 free throws. Joe is behind him with 23 points and five rebounds. Giddey comes next with 19 points and six rebounds in just 26 minutes of the game. Williams takes the fourth place with 16 points.

The OKC was leading by 19 points toward halftime when the tides turned and there was just a point difference by the third quarter. It was at this crucial moment that Shai and Joe got their back-to-back 3-pointers getting the difference to nine points.

2. Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins’ struggle continues

Thompson had an abysmal night. There is no easy way to put that. Scoring just five points in 27 minutes of game time is too much to handle even for Klay. The 2023-24 stats of Thompson is a career-low 13.8 points since his rookie days (2011 – 12.5 points). Wiggins on the other hand, had a slightly better night with 12 points and six rebounds.

Even so, this is not what the Dub Nation expects from him. With the key defender, Draymond Green unavailable everybody expected Wiggs to take up the responsibility. Kerr and the team still believe in Wiggins’ ability to step up and even though there was a glimpse of the Wiggs everyone is familiar with, tonight was not one of them.

Another aspect of this is the trade rumors that are resurfacing regards Klay Thompson. With him becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the shooting slump he is in, the front office might start considering a trade or a rejection of a contract extension. If Thompson decides to stay, that is.

There is also the lure of many players entering free agency and the trade market. Seeing as how Andrew Wiggins has also been struggling, he can also be thrown into the mix as a trade asset for a potential superstar. It’s hard for anyone acquainted with the Golden State to even consider the concept of Klay leaving. But ultimately, the ball won’t be in his court.

3. OKC exploited the Warriors’ depleted defensive arsenal

The Warriors’ struggles became even more apparent when Gary Payton II exited in the second quarter with a sprained left ankle. One of the best defenders on the team, Payton’s presence could have drastically affected the Thunder’s run. But the team had to lose him as well early in the game.

Read More: Warriors GM Draws Major Flaw in Stephen Curry and Co’s Current State

It is no secret that taking on the Warriors dynasty without Green and Curry looks more feasible now. And the OKC took complete advantage of the situation. As will other teams, at least until Dray is back on the court. If Klay and Wiggins continue tonight’s performance, Kerr will find himself with a very tough decision on his hands. That is not to say the Dubs didn’t put up any fight.

They did try to make a comeback in the third quarter, which was thwarted by the Thunder. Tonight was Kuminga‘s. He led the Warriors with 21 points, six rebounds, and two assists. While Saric, Podziemski, and CP3 all tried to bridge the gap, the difference was too much to save the Golden State from certain doom.

Can the Golden State Warriors stay afloat without Draymond Green and Stephen Curry? Or will the others see this as a “golden” opportunity to grab the bull by the horns?

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