Title: Warriors Struggle Without Steph Curry in Loss to Thunder
The Golden State Warriors have long been one of the NBA’s most formidable teams, driven by the brilliance of their star point guard, Steph Curry. However, as the Warriors faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 27, 2024, the absence of Curry became glaringly evident. Despite their championship pedigree, the Warriors found themselves unable to overcome the void left by their superstar, suffering a frustrating 116-103 loss to the Thunder.
Steph Curry’s absence was due to a shoulder injury, which had kept him sidelined for this pivotal game. His presence on the court is not just a matter of scoring; Curry is the engine that drives the Warriors’ fast-paced offense, creating space and opportunities for his teammates. Without Curry’s court vision and shooting ability, Golden State’s offense struggled to find rhythm and flow.
From the opening tip, it was clear that the Warriors were missing their offensive leader. While players like Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins have all been integral parts of the team’s success, none of them possess the unique combination of shooting range, playmaking, and leadership that Curry provides. The Warriors shot just 42% from the field, a subpar performance that was exacerbated by poor shooting from beyond the arc. They hit only 12 of their 40 three-point attempts, a far cry from the team’s usual high-efficiency marks from deep.
Without Curry to space the floor and create open shots, the Warriors were forced into a more traditional offensive set. This shift played right into the hands of the Thunder, who were able to close out on shooters more effectively and limit the Warriors’ ball movement. Oklahoma City’s defense was sharp, particularly on Thompson, who was tasked with picking up the offensive slack in Curry’s absence. Thompson had his moments, finishing with 26 points, but he was inefficient, shooting just 10-24 from the field. The absence of Curry meant that Thompson faced much more defensive pressure without the ability to rely on Curry’s gravity to open up easier looks.
Draymond Green, typically known for his defense and playmaking, also struggled to impact the game the way he usually does. While he contributed with 7 assists and 9 rebounds, he failed to make a significant impact on the scoreboard, finishing with only 8 points. Green’s defensive leadership was as important as ever, but his inability to step up offensively, particularly in the absence of Curry, left a noticeable gap for Golden State. Wiggins, too, had a rough night, scoring just 13 points on 5-12 shooting. With multiple key players underperforming, the Warriors’ offense became stagnant, unable to break through the Thunder’s defense.
The Thunder, on the other hand, took advantage of the Warriors’ struggles. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge for Oklahoma City, finishing with 30 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. He was a constant threat, using his skill and athleticism to exploit the Warriors’ defensive lapses. Alongside him, Jalen Williams added 22 points, while the Thunder’s defense held strong, forcing Golden State into difficult shots and turnovers. Oklahoma City’s young core demonstrated poise, capitalizing on Golden State’s vulnerabilities without their star player on the floor.
In addition to offensive struggles, the Warriors also faced defensive challenges. With Curry off the floor, the team lacked the same level of intensity and communication on defense. Green, while still a strong defender, cannot cover all of the defensive responsibilities alone, especially when the Warriors are forced to play small ball or rely on bench players who lack the same defensive prowess. This gap allowed the Thunder to score efficiently in transition and control the pace of the game.
It’s clear that Curry’s absence isn’t something that can be easily replaced. His shooting, leadership, and playmaking ability are irreplaceable, and while the Warriors have capable players, they lack the same cohesion without him. This loss serves as a stark reminder of how dependent the Warriors are on Curry’s talent and presence on the court.
As the Warriors look ahead to the remainder of the season, they will need to find ways to adjust without their star. It’s evident that they can’t afford to rely solely on Thompson or Green to carry the load, and the team will need to develop more consistent play from their role players. Furthermore, they’ll need to hope for Curry’s swift recovery, as his return will be pivotal in ensuring that the Warriors can continue their quest for another championship. Until then, the Warriors will have to learn how to navigate these challenges and find ways to remain competitive without their best player.
