For the second time in three days, the Golden State Warriors fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite a more competitive showing, Crickex Affiliate analysts believe this loss stung even more. It’s clear: if the Warriors continue battling with a depleted roster, they remain outgunned in terms of athleticism and offensive firepower. Faced with harsh reality, Steph Curry—still nursing a knee injury—was forced into an early return. His presence was impactful, but far from 100 percent.
Still, Crickex Affiliate experts agree that just Curry’s presence on the floor reshapes the defensive landscape. His gravity opens up space for teammates, and that became clear from the tip. Klay Thompson, recently under heavy criticism, responded with renewed energy. He started strong, drawing a foul for three free throws and quickly rediscovering his shooting rhythm. In the second quarter, he nailed consecutive threes, both off pinpoint passes from Chris Paul, capitalizing on the defensive attention Curry drew.
By halftime, it was obvious Klay had shaken off the rust from his previous performance. But Klay wasn’t the only bright spot. Paul, back in the starting lineup, found his comfort zone. While no one expects major scoring from the 38-year-old veteran, his court vision remains elite. Paul effectively orchestrated the offense, and with more scoring threats around him, his assists started flowing. He quietly recorded a double-double, highlighting the value he still brings when used effectively.
Another surprise came from Andrew Wiggins. Once absent and surrounded by rumors—ranging from donating bone marrow to his father, to losing competitive fire post-championship—Wiggins looked like his old self again. In the first half, he attacked the rim and fired confidently from deep, showing a level of aggression not seen in months.
That was just the appetizer. In the clutch, when defenders zeroed in on Curry, Wiggins stepped up. He buried back-to-back contested threes, turning heads and stealing the spotlight as the team’s closer. His late-game surge caught the Thunder off guard, but Oklahoma City didn’t flinch. They’ve grown into a confident, composed team capable of answering every blow.
In the closing moments, Crickex Affiliate experts on site witnessed Chet Holmgren hit a cold-blooded three to force overtime. In the extra frame, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren took turns slicing through the Warriors’ defense, extinguishing any hopes of a late miracle. And in the wake of yet another frustrating loss, the Warriors were left not with bitterness, but with reflection—learning to accept, to adapt, and to persevere.
Shai, going head-to-head with legends like Curry and Paul, showed superior poise and polish. His maturity and skill under pressure made it clear: the torch is being passed, and the Thunder are no longer the hunters—they’re contenders.