By: Ashmere Prasad
The Warriors’ chemistry is slowly starting to come together, and with the Western Conference standings so close, each win counts. On Wednesday night, the Warriors handed the Thunder their ninth loss this season in a 116-109 win at home.
It took the Warriors everything they had to take on the number one team in the West and the best shooter in the NBA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA currently leads the NBA in PPG with 32.5 and scored 31 points in the first half (he totaled 52 in the loss). The Warriors were down 10 points in the first half and a little glum based on their performance. The defense was unable to get stops and generate good shots on offense.
Luckily, the Warriors returned as an entirely different team in the second half.
4th Quarter Clutch Time
Even though OKC had multiple chances to take the lead, the Dubs continued to play tight defense. With a few clutch shots from Brandin Podziemski, Kyle Anderson, and Denis Schröder, the Warriors were able to maintain a six-point lead. As the clock winded down the Dubs continued to make every shot while the Thunder were unable to catch up.
Curry hit a long-range three-pointer, Looney blocked a layup by Luguentz Dort and Gary Payton II made a massive dunk over Isaiah Hartenstein. Chase Center went INSANE when he ascended over Hartenstein.
OH MY GOODNESS GARY PAYTON II
THROWS DOWN THE CRUNCHTIME POSTER SLAM!! pic.twitter.com/ndcUM1cvuJ
— NBA (@NBA) January 30, 2025
Kudos to Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins has crushed it the last two nights and looks like the ‘two-way Wiggins’ of the past.
On Tuesday night, he guided the younger Dubs team against a star-less Utah Jazz in a 114-103 win. He played 33 minutes, 19 points, 2 REB, and 3 AST. Although he was 3-8 from the 3PT line, the threes created offensive energy when the Dubs needed it most.
Tonight, Wiggins played 38 minutes and 20 seconds, 27 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST, and locked up SGA in the second half. His continued efficiency on both sides of the ball played a major role in tonight’s win vs the best team in the West. Wiggins was all over the floor and put a stop to the fiery Thunder offense in the fourth quarter.
The Warriors welcome the 8th-seed Phoenix Suns to Chase Center on Friday night. This matchup is always an exciting one, especially if Kevin Durant returns to the lineup. The NBA world loves to see the former Curry- Durant duo face off.