What we learned as Warriors comeback falls short of Thunder appeared originally on NBC Sports Bay Area
BOX SCORE
SAN FRANCISCO — Jonathan Kuminga looked rejuvenated when he returned to the Warriors’ starting lineup with 19 points and Pat Spencer gave Golden State a burst off the bench — but it wasn’t enough as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat Golden State 105-101 in a matchup of the Western Conference’s top two teams. Wednesday at the Chase Center.
It was the first time in four games this season without Stephen Curry that the Warriors lost. The two-time NBA MVP is resting his sore knees, though coach Steve Kerr said he expects Curry to be ready for Golden State’s upcoming road trip, which begins Saturday against the Phoenix Suns.
The Warriors certainly need their star back after dropping their third straight game to drop to 12-6.
Buddy Hield scored 17 and moved up another notch on the NBA career 3-point list. Andrew Wiggins had 16 points and five rebounds, and Draymond Green added 10 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
Spencer came off the bench to help the scoring drive and recorded six points, four rebounds and three assists.
Oklahoma City led by 19 but needed to hold off Golden State’s late surge in the fourth quarter as the two teams traded leads repeatedly.
The Warriors took a 96-93 lead with 5:45 left, but couldn’t sustain the momentum. Golden State trailed by four points later, then cut the lead to 102-101 on Wiggins’ 3-pointer with 11 seconds left.
Here are the highlights from Wednesday’s game:
Filling in for Steph
Brandin Podziemski got the first crack at filling in for Curry, but it was Pat Spencer, a two-way player, who seemed to have the biggest impact leading the point.
Appearing in just three games while logging just over four minutes of playing time, Spencer provided an immediate spark with his drives to the rim and kick passes to open shooters. Spencer had a nice all-around performance in 15 minutes and even picked up a technical foul for arguing with the officials after a non-call.
Podziemski had his typical game and made a great play to equalize in the first half
Kuminga back with a vengeance
Kuminga got off to a slow start in his first start since Oct. 27, missing all four shots he attempted in the first quarter before warming up and breaking out in the second quarter.
Kuminga made a pair of 3-pointers before halftime, but fired up the Chase Center crowd with his trademark strong and emphatic drives down the lane. He also really hurt the Thunder when he dunked on OKC forward Jalen Williams, sending Williams to the floor. The second half did not go well for Williams.
Kerr said before the game that he preferred to keep Kuminga on the bench to give the second unit a reliable scorer, but the way he played Wednesday, the coach may have to reconsider.
Movin’ On Up
Hield did a great job filling the perimeter shooting void created when Klay Thompson left for Dallas via NBA free agency, and the 31-year-old jumper was at his best against the Thunder.
Hield made a trio of 3-pointers in the first half and went into possession at 18Th place in the NBA career rankings. Hield, tied with Dirk Nowitzki, finished with five 3-pointers and needs one more to tie Jason Kidd (1,988) for 17th.Th place.
Hield has sunk 148 or more 3-pointers in each of his first eight NBA seasons and is on track to surpass that mark again.
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