Luguentz Dort had a superb offensive performance for the Thunder in the absence of star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Friday night, but Oklahoma City had to admit defeat following a controversial game-winning basket from Stephen Curry as the Golden State Warriors won 141-139.
With the score at 139-139 and a few seconds left, Curry managed to get around Dort, who was watching him one-on-one, and hit a magnificent stride shot with just 0.2 seconds on the clock.
Coming to the rebound to attempt the tap if Curry’s shot missed, Draymond Green, however, touched the ring before the ball crossed it and the referees consulted the replay to ensure that the basket was good. The basket was finally confirmed and the referee explained his decision on the microphone, mentioning that Green’s gesture had not changed the trajectory of the ball.
With Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined with a knee injury, the Thunder handed the reins of their offense to Dort and rookie Chet Holmgren.
Dort scored 29 points and had five rebounds. He shot with remarkable efficiency, hitting nine of his 12 shots from the perimeter in addition to being perfect on six attempts from downtown.
Holmgren improved his personal high with 24 points. He also grabbed eight rebounds and distributed five assists.
Curry responded with 30 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Reserves Dario Saric and Jonathan Kuminga supported him with respective harvests of 20 and 19 points.
Klay Thompson added 18 points while Andrew Wiggins provided 17 and Green 15.
The Warriors signed their fifth victory in a row after losing their first game of the season against the Phoenix Suns.
Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams scored 18 points each for the Thunder, who suffered a second straight loss.
Elsewhere in the NBA
Cavaliers 116 – Pacers 121
CLE : Donovan Mitchell shone in the defeat with 38 points, nine assists and five rebounds.
IND : Myles Turner scored 27 points, including 22 in the 1st half. Bennedict Mathurin was limited to five points, all scored in the 1st quarter.
Knicks 105 – Bucks 110
NOW : Jalen Brunson wowed with a 45-point performance.
MIL : Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 30 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 22 with eight rebounds and six assists.
Wizards 114 – Heat 121
WAS : Kyle Kuzma scored 22 points, but the Wizards lost a third game in a row.
MIA : Tyler Herro had 24 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists and the Heat ended a four-game losing streak.
Nets 109 – Bulls 107
BRK : Dorian Finney-Smith scored 21 points, Mikal Bridges added 20 and the Nets signed a third consecutive victory.
CHI : DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine scored 24 points each and Nikola Vucvic had a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Grizzlies – Trail Blazers
MEM :
BY :
Mavericks – Nuggets
DAL :
THE :
2023-11-04 03:14:00
#NBA #Luguentz #Dorts #brilliance #overshadowed #controversial #basket #Stephen #Curry
