YOU could say it was over before it began as the Golden State Warriors steamrolled over the Oklahoma Thunder in the first quarter to win comfortably, 128-120, in Oklahoma Tuesday morning (Manila time).
The Warriors won three straight for the first time this year after dealing with bouts of inconsistencies and injuries this season.
They have managed to go up two games above .500 this season and look like they are on their way to recovering from their dismal season after winning the title last year.
Curry and Klay show
All-star Stephen Curry scored 13 points in the first quarter, while fellow top scorer Klay Thompson chipped in 10 points to totally outplay the Thunder heading into the second quarter.
Percentage wise, Oklahoma was even with Golden State all game long except that the Warriors were taking and making more shots. The Thunder tried to mount a comeback in the third quarter.
Trailing by 16 points with 5 minutes left, they chipped away with a few chances on the line to cut the lead to 11.
Curry answered the call for the Warriors and stemmed the tide by making a three-pointer to increase the lead to 14.
Mike Muscala made sure to be within striking distance at the end of the quarter with a 29-foot three-pointer, 94-85 Warriors.
Close but no cigar
The Thunder almost pulled-off an improbable comeback in the fourth after Jalen Williams made a three-pointer with 4 minutes left in the game to cut the Warriors lead to two points, which is the lowest lead in the game.
Good thing the Warriors responded with an 8-0 run in the last couple of minutes and held off a valiant attempt by the Thunder to come back.
Curry led all scorers with 38 points, 8 rebounds and 12 assists, while Thompson had 28 points. Oklahoma is now two games below .500 and was led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31 points. It was his fifth straight game scoring 30 points or more.
The Warriors continue their resurgence when they face off with the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Thunder will welcome February with a game against the Houston Rockets.
