Thunder Hit 50 Wins
The depleted Thunder held off the Warriors to reach the 50-win mark despite missing key players. OKC continues building playoff momentum while managing injuries. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic praised Anthony Edwards as his favorite watch right now, calling him a "defensive monster."
The Thunder's 104-97 victory over the Warriors was their fifth consecutive win, making them the first team in the league to reach 50 wins this season. This win came despite a severely depleted roster, with the team missing regular starters Chet Holmgren due to illness, Jalen Williams with a hamstring strain, and Isaiah Hartenstein with a calf contusion. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge for Oklahoma City with 27 points, largely thanks to his performance at the free-throw line where he made 14 of 15 attempts. With this game, he has now scored at least 20 points in 125 consecutive games. Isaiah Joe also made a significant contribution with 18 points. The Golden State Warriors were also shorthanded, most notably missing Stephen Curry, who was out with a right knee issue. Gui Santos was a standout player for the Warriors, leading the team with 22 points and 11 rebounds. This victory continues a strong run for the Thunder since Gilgeous-Alexander's return from an abdominal strain, with the team now 5-0 since he rejoined the lineup. The win helps solidify their position atop the Western Conference as they head into a challenging four-game homestand against high-level opponents like Denver, Boston, and Minnesota.
