Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder hosts Golden State Warriors

On By Littum

SAN FRANCISCO — More than anything else, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seemed to want – no, need – one of his many potentially heartbreaking jump shots falls late Wednesday.

Because without Jalen Williams, the soul of Gilgeous-Alexander’s heart, one of two viable on-ball creators on a team with bodies dropping like flies, the Thunder’s offense grasped at straws.

The one Gilgeous-Alexander finally wanted in came with just under 1:30 left to play in OKC’s 105-101 win against the Warriors at the Chase Center.

Seemingly an offense unto himself at times, Gilgeous-Alexander has had different lineups this season. He has survived days without any centers. He has survived a lack of role players. But Williams, his tough shotmaking, off-ball-saving partner-in-crime?

That reality was unknown.

Before Williams left Wednesday’s first half with a right eye injury, he had tied his all-time free throw attempts in a half. He helped harass the non-Steph Curry Warriors. He threw his characteristic hard punches.

Next to him, Gilgeous-Alexander was 8 for 12 with 19 points. Without him, the superstar guard was 5 for 16, just 3 for 11 in the fourth.

OKC’s offense limped across the finish line behind Gilgeous-Alexander late 3. He had spent most of the quarter trying to pin Golden State with stepback after stepback. Probing, pulling up, seemingly unwilling to lose himself inside the Warriors’ still feisty defense.

Before his 3, the Thunder were 4 for 15 and 0 for 8 from 3 in the fourth quarter.

Golden State’s physicality challenged and at times abused a Thunder rotation down the stretch, forcing it to turn to rookies.

Eventually, center Isaiah Hartenstein slipped his feet while defending Buddy Hield, and perimeter glove Lu Dort chased down a late layup attempt to help the Thunder escape.

OKC’s offense might have been grasping for answers, but its defense gained some clarity.

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Thunder vs. Warriors live scores updates

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What time is Thunder vs. Warriors

  • Date: Wednesday 27 Nov
  • Time: 9 p.m. CT
  • Where: Chase Center in San Francisco

More: Thunder vs. Warriors injury updates, predictions: Stephen Curry out against OKC

  • TV: ESPN
  • How to watch online: Fubo (Free Trial)
  • Radio: WWLS 98.1FM

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Thunder vs. Warriors odds

Odds lent by via BetMGM from Tuesday 26 Nov

Odds: Thunder with 2.5

Above/below: 227.5

Money line: OKC -145 | Golden State +120

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OKC Thunder roster

  • Alex Caruso, PG
  • Ousmane Dieng, SF
  • Luguentz Dort, SG
  • Alex Ducas, SG *
  • Adam Flagler, PG
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG
  • Isaiah Hartenstein, C
  • Chet Holmgren, PF
  • Isaiah Joe, SG
  • Dillon Jones, SF
  • Ajay Mitchell, SG *
  • Alex Reese, PF
  • Nikola Topić, PG
  • Cason Wallace, SG
  • Aaron Wiggins, SG
  • Jalen Williams, SG
  • Jaylin Williams, PF
  • Kenrich Williams, PF

*-two-way contract

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Thunder vs Warriors highlights

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