Warriors win another wild one, edging Thunder after review

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Golden State Warriors’ 141-139 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night ended in a wild and bizarre manner.

In the closing seconds of the game with the score tied, Stephen Curry skillfully maneuvered around Luguentz Dort and gracefully floated towards the rim. He deftly scooped the ball up and under, releasing it towards the basket while falling to the ground. The ball miraculously went in with 0.2 seconds left on the clock.

Initially, the bucket was disallowed due to Draymond Green’s basket interference. However, after an extensive review, it was determined that the Thunder’s Josh Giddey had grabbed the net as the ball was descending, resulting in goaltending. Consequently, any contact made by Green with the hoop or ball became irrelevant, and Curry’s shot was deemed good.

“Hitting the rim is not a goaltend. I did not affect the shot,” said Green, refuting any interference claims. “[Referee Che Flores] stated that if [Giddey] touched the net without affecting the ball, it wouldn’t be considered goaltending. Likewise, if I touched the rim without affecting the ball, it wouldn’t be goaltending. I knew I didn’t interfere with the ball, so I believed it was a good basket. And indeed, we got the bucket.”

While Green confidently leaned on the scorer’s table near the referees during the review, Curry patiently stood underneath the basket, awaiting the final call. As soon as the ruling was made, the entire Warriors team rushed onto the court in celebration. Some of the reserve players even pulled their teammates, who were not actively participating in the game, back to the bench so that the game could officially conclude.

Although Green had unwavering certainty about the shot’s legitimacy, his teammates and coaches were unsure of the outcome.

“Initially, they called it no good… and regardless of the initial call, there needed to be incontrovertible evidence to overturn it,” explained Curry. “That’s why, I guess, doubt started creeping in. I couldn’t discern the available camera angles. Fortunately, they made the correct decision.”

Curry concluded the game with an impressive performance, contributing 30 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including five 3-pointers, along with eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.

This game-winning shot followed Klay Thompson’s decisive jumper against the Sacramento Kings just two nights earlier. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, this marks the first time in the past 25 years that the Warriors have won consecutive games with game-winning field goals within the final five seconds of each game.

Considering the Warriors’ lack of energy, particularly due to the absence of their rookies participating in the G League training camp, and their poor defense, allowing the Thunder to shoot 60% from the field and 51.7% from three, Green believes this close victory is especially impressive.

The Warriors’ second unit, led by Chris Paul, has been instrumental in keeping the team competitive during games. Paul finished Friday’s game with an astonishing 13 assists and zero turnovers, setting a new record for the most assists off the bench without a turnover by a Warriors player since 1997, as reported by ESPN Stats & Information.

“To say the least, it’s impressive,” acknowledged Curry. “I’m extremely envious of that assist-to-turnover ratio, something I’ve never achieved in my career.”

Just a year ago, the Warriors struggled to close out tight games. However, with only six games into the season, they are demonstrating their ability to execute crucial plays.

“We need to leave last year behind us,” insisted coach Kerr. “We have a decade of experience in closing games, winning championships, and winning close games. Last year was an anomaly, whereas this year reflects our standard… this victory solidifies who we are. These guys have earned banners and wear rings for a reason. They excel at this.”

Coach Kerr has an array of options to choose from for late-game situations, which include Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, and Gary Payton II alongside constants such as Curry, Green, Klay Thompson, and Chris Paul.

“It could be any of five different guys in the next game,” revealed Kerr. “Currently, our players are doing an exceptional job of supporting one another, making valuable contributions when given the opportunity, and accepting whatever decisions we make.”