For more on this game, check out Golden State of Mind for the recap.
Kevin Durant was gone for two games, but he scored 28 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder fought off a late Golden State Warriors charge in a 114-109 victory at Oklahoma City Arena. The Thunder were up by as many as 23 in the first half and led 90-70 before Stephen Curry led them back and helped cut the lead to 108-102 with over a minute left. The Thunder held on by hitting their free throws and Reggie Williams missed a critical shot that could’ve brought them closer, and Oklahoma City held on to go to 14-7 on the season. Golden State fell to 8-12 and now have lost three straight.
Durant has struggled with his knee, but he shot 8-of-16 from the field, 11-of-12 from the line, and added another seven rebounds to pace Oklahoma City’s offense. Russell Westbrook provided 19 points and 13 assists for the Thunder.
Serge Ibaka added 19 points, eight rebounds and three blocks on 8-of-10 shooting, and Jeff Green scored 17 and grabbed eight boards in the victory. Durant and Green nailed free throws when the Warriors closed it to a one-possession game, thwarting any hopes of a dramatic Golden State comeback.
Curry scored a game-high 39, scoring most of his points in failed comeback attempts. Monta Ellis added 29 for the Warriors, who have dropped three straight. Dorell Wright recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards and Reggie Williams added 11 points in the loss.
The key stat to the game was free throws. Oklahoma City lived at the line, shooting 37 for 40 for the game and 20 for 20 in the third quarter that put the Thunder way ahead. Golden State only shot 21 by contrast.