Minus Steph Curry, Warriors’ spirited effort falls short vs Thunder

But not without a spirited effort against the NBA’s best defensive team.

Playing Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City at the Chase Center with Curry on the sidelines in the middle of the knee, the Warriors battled the Thunder to a 105-101 loss.

Jonathan Kuminga returned from an illness to lead Golden State with 19 points.

The Warriors shot 35.7% from the field against the Thunder, who got a game-high 35 from star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Curry missed three games earlier this season with a sprained left ankle. The Warriors beat the New Orleans Pelicans (twice) and the Houston Rockets without him. On Wednesday, they turned to Brandin Podziemski as their starting point guard in a small-ball lineup with Kuminga — in his first start since last month — alongside Lindy Waters III, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green.

The Thunder run less with guards and wings – who effectively shoot, dribble and defend – around big man Isaiah Hartenstein. Without Curry to bend Oklahoma City’s defense — be it on or off the ball — the Warriors struggled to make quality shots.

Active ball pressure discouraged dribble drives and created a 39-23 deficit after one quarter.

Golden State (12-6) signed two-way point guard Pat Spencer for ball handling at pace at the top of the second quarter, resulting in a 10-0 run. He penetrated the paint and sprayed the shooters until Oklahoma City settled down defensively.

Gilgeous-Alexander painstakingly worked his way to 19 points in the first half. Kuminga scored 10 in the second quarter after a scoreless first, building a 62-50 halftime lead.

But Kuminga and Podziemski opened up Golden State’s offense with measured third-quarter attacks from the basket. Podziemski added a corner 3-pointer that brought Curry to his feet in celebration.

Green’s defensive activity and versatility helped the Warriors secure a set of stops that led to a 96-93 lead — via a layup by Kyle Anderson — with 5:45 left. Oklahoma City shot 39.5% from the field in the second half.

But the Warriors ran out of offense without Curry and the Thunder (14-4) didn’t with Gilgeous-Alexander making a triple and another 3-pointer — to go up 100-96 — around a free throw from guard Isaiah Joe .

The Warriors went 5:26 between Anderson’s layup and a dunk by Green.

A frantic finish gave them an opportunity to tie the game with 7.7 seconds to play, but Andrew Wiggins missed an off-balance layup on a play well defended by Oklahoma City.

Green finished with 10 points, seven assists and 13 rebounds. Podziemski added 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Reach Sam Gordon: [email protected]