Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder holds off Golden State Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO – More than anything, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seemed – no, need – one of his many potentially heartbreaking jump shots that fell late Wednesday.

Because without Jalen Williams, the soul of Gilgeous-Alexander’s heart, one of two serviceable ballplayers on a team whose bodies are dropping like flies, the Thunder’s offense is grasping at straws.

The one Gilgeous-Alexander finally wanted to achieve came with just under 1:30 to play in OKC’s 105-101 win over the Warriors at Chase Center.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who appears to be an offense himself at times, has taken on a variety of lineups this season. He has survived days without centers. He survived the disappearances of role players. But Williams, his tough shot maker and masterful off-ball partner?

This reality was unknown.

Before Williams left Wednesday’s first half with a right eye injury, he had the most free throw attempts he had ever made in a half. He helped harass the non-Steph Curry Warriors. He threw his trademark hard punches.

Alongside him, Gilgeous-Alexander was 8 of 12 for 19 points. Without him, the superstar guard was 5 for 16 and just 3 for 11 in the fourth round.

OKC’s offense limped over the finish line late in the 3 behind Gilgeous-Alexander. He had spent most of the quarter making one stepback after another to secure a Golden State victory. Probing, pulling up, apparently unwilling to get lost in the Warriors’ still-resolute defense.

Before his 3, the Thunder were 4 for 15 and 0 for 8 from 3 in the fourth quarter.

Golden State’s physicality challenged and abused a Thunder rotation downfield at times, forcing them to turn to rookies.

In the end, center Isaiah Hartenstein slipped while defending Buddy Hield and perimeter gauntlet Lu Dort drained a late layup attempt to help the Thunder escape.

OKC’s offense may have been searching for answers, but its defense provided clarity.

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Thunder vs Warriors live score updates

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What time is Thunder vs Warriors?

Date: Wednesday, November 27th
Time: 9pm CT
Where: Chase Center in San Francisco

More:Thunder vs. Warriors injury updates, predictions: Stephen Curry out vs. OKC

TV: ESPN
How to watch online: Fubo (free trial)
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM

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Thunder vs Warriors odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Tuesday, November 26th

Opportunities: Thunder at 2.5

Over/Under: 227.5

Money line: OKC-145 | Golden State +120

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OKC Thunder roster

Alex Caruso, PG
Ousmane Dieng, SF
Luguentz Dort, SG
Alex Ducas, SG *
Adam Flagler, PG
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG
Isaiah Hartenstein, C
Chet Holmgren, PF
Isaiah Joe, SG
Dillon Jones, SF
Ajay Mitchell, SG *
Alex Reese, PF
Nikola Topić, PG
Cason Wallace, SG
Aaron Wiggins, SG
Jalen Williams, SG
Jaylin Williams, PF
Kenrich Williams, PF

*-Two-way contract

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