The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a disappointing 116-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors on national television, despite a stellar 52-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This game highlighted a recurring theme in Thunder losses this season: inconsistent shooting from role players.
The Thunder built a 14-point lead early on, but the Warriors mounted a comeback in the third quarter. Despite outrebounding Golden State and forcing more turnovers, OKC’s shooting struggles ultimately proved to be their downfall. The Thunder shot just 40% from the floor and a dismal 23% from three-point range, compared to the Warriors’ 49% overall shooting.
The Common Thread in Thunder Losses
While the Thunder remain a top contender in the Western Conference with only nine losses on the season, each defeat is scrutinized due to their overall success. The common denominator in these losses has been poor shooting from role players when Gilgeous-Alexander faces increased defensive pressure.
Outside of Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Isaiah Joe, the Thunder went an abysmal 0-for-17 from three-point range. This lack of production from supporting cast members has been a concern in bigger regular-season games and could potentially become an issue in the playoffs.
The Chet Holmgren Factor
It’s important to remember that the Thunder have achieved this level of success without their second-best player, Chet Holmgren. His return from injury could potentially solve many of the team’s current issues, particularly in terms of spacing and offensive versatility.
While some fans and analysts are calling for the Thunder to make a move before the trade deadline, such as acquiring a proven shooter like Cam Johnson, it’s crucial to consider the big picture. This team is still tied for the best record in the NBA and has shown they can compete at an elite level even without Holmgren.
The front office may choose to be patient and collect more data points before making any significant roster changes. With Holmgren’s return on the horizon, the Thunder could become an even more formidable force in the Western Conference.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Thunder’s loss to the Warriors and potential trade scenarios, tune into the Locked On Thunder podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Thunder Podcast:
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s incredible 52-point performance
• Isaiah Joe’s impressive shooting night and defensive contributions
• The potential impact of making a trade for Cam Johnson
