What we learned as the Warriors’ comeback falls short in the loss to the Thunder

What we learned as the Warriors’ comeback falls short in the loss to the Thunder originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

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SAN FRANCISCO – Jonathan Kuminga looked rejuvenated as he returned to the Warriors’ starting lineup with 19 points and Pat Spencer gave Golden State a shot off the bench – but it wasn’t enough as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat Golden State 105-101 in a showdown between the Western Conference’s top two teams on Wednesday at the Chase Center.

It was the first time in four games without Stephen Curry this season that the Warriors have lost. The two-time NBA MVP is resting his sore knees, though coach Steve Kerr said he expects Curry to be ready for Golden State’s upcoming road trip that begins Saturday against the Phoenix Suns.

The Warriors absolutely need their star back after losing their third straight game to fall to 12-6.

Buddy Hield scored 17 and moved up another notch on the NBA’s career 3-point list. Andrew Wiggins had 16 points and five rebounds, and Draymond Green added 10 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.

Spencer came off the bench to help drive the point and had six points, four rebounds and three assists.

Oklahoma City led by 19 but had to hold off a late surge from Golden State in the fourth quarter as the two teams repeatedly traded leads.

The Warriors took a 96-93 lead with 5:45 left, but couldn’t sustain the momentum. Golden State fell behind by four points late, then cut the lead to 102-101 on a Wiggins 3-pointer with 11 seconds left.

Here are the takeaways from Wednesday’s game:

Filling in for Steph

Brandin Podziemski got the first crack filling in for Curry, but it was Pat Spencer, a two-way playerwho seemed to have the most impact while running the point.

Spencer, who had appeared in just three games while logging just over four minutes of playing time, provided an immediate spark with drives to the hoop and kick-out passes to open shooters. Spencer had a nice all-around effort in 15 minutes and even got a technical foul for arguing with the officials after a non-call.

Podziemski had his typical game and made a great play to draw a charge in the first half

Kuminga Back With A Vengeance

Making his first start since Oct. 27, Kuminga got off to a sluggish start, missing all four shots he attempted in the first quarter before warming up and getting going in the second quarter.

Kuminga made a pair of 3-pointers before halftime, but energized the Chase Center crowd with his signature powerful and emphatic drives down the court. He also did some real damage to the Thunder when he dunked on OKC forward Jalen Williams, sending Williams to the floor. Williams did not come out in the second half.

Before the game, Kerr said he preferred to keep Kuminga on the bench to give the second unit a reliable scorer, but the way he played Wednesday, the coach may have to reconsider.

Movin’ On Up

Hield has done a fine job filling the perimeter shooting void created when Klay Thompson left for Dallas via NBA free agency, and the 31-year-old’s jumper was in fine form against the Thunder.

Hield made a trio of 3-pointers in the first half to move within 18^th place on the NBA’s career list. Hield, tied with Dirk Nowitzki, finished with five threes and needs one more to tie Jason Kidd (1,988) for 17^th place.

Hield sank 148 or more threes in each of his first eight NBA seasons and is well on his way to surpassing that mark again.

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