Warriors at Thunder
Oklahoma City seeks to extend the franchise’s best home start in nine years when it hosts the Golden State Warriors on Friday. The Thunder have won their first seven home games – the best string since the team was based in Seattle and won nine straight as the SuperSonics in 2004-05. Golden State lost to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday for its fourth loss in five games and is 1-1 on a four-game road trip.
The Thunder posted a solid 94-88 victory over San Antonio on Wednesday to halt the Spurs’ 11-game winning streak. The victory was a season-best fifth in a row for Oklahoma City and the fourth time during the stretch in which the opponent was limited to 91 or fewer points. “Our defense was outstanding,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said afterward. “I think the last three or four games, we’ve put a string of defensive efforts and defensive performances we can continue to build on.” Golden State beat the Thunder 116-115 on Nov. 14 behind Andre Iguodala’s game-winning shot as time expired.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBATV, CSN Bay Area (Golden State), FSN Oklahoma (Oklahoma City)
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (9-7): Point guard Stephen Curry had 29 points and eight assists and was 6-of-10 from 3-point range in the loss to the Mavericks. Curry recently missed two games due to a concussion and has yet to go on a sustained scoring binge despite averaging 20.5 points. “I think he’s gaining a rhythm right now,” Golden State coach Mark Jackson said after Wednesday’s loss. “It’s a rhythm that he hasn’t had. Even though he’s putting together a solid season, he hasn’t had a rhythm. I think he is close to breaking out.”
ABOUT THE THUNDER (10-3): Oklahoma City received a huge effort from backup guard Reggie Jackson in the gritty victory over the Spurs. Jackson matched his career high with 23 points and was 10-of-14 from the field on a night when star guard Russell Westbrook tallied a season-low six points on 2-of-16 shooting. “He was aggressive all night getting to the rim,” forward Kevin Durant said afterward. “That’s what he does. Nobody can stay in front of him.” Jackson is averaging 10 points and has reached double figures eight times.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Warriors have lost eight straight games in Oklahoma City.
2. Westbrook scored a season-best 31 points in the Nov. 14 loss to Golden State.
3. Golden State C Andrew Bogut has recorded double digits on the boards in each of his last six games.