Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the Warriors Deliver Instant Classic with One of the Most Unforgettable Endings in NBA History against the Thunder.
Astonishingly, the 2023-24 season’s most anticipated showdown lived up to the hype, concluding with a remarkable finale unlike anything witnessed before. In a surprising turn of events, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the Golden State Warriors emerged as the victors in this epic encounter.
On the inaugural night of the in-season tournament, the Golden State Warriors triumphed over the Oklahoma City Thunder with a thrilling 141-139 victory, solidifying their place in what can only be described as an instant classic. The game’s drama unfolded from the very tipoff and reached a crescendo in the waning moments of the fourth quarter, delivering an unforgettable spectacle that even surpassed its lofty pre-game expectations.
The game’s breathtaking conclusion occurred with just 0.2 seconds remaining on the clock when Stephen Curry executed a spectacular drive and layup past Lu Dort, tying the score. Initially, the basket was ruled as interference, with Draymond Green’s fingertips touching the rim as the ball dropped through the net. The ensuing automatic replay review left both sides anxiously awaiting the final verdict. Eventually, the referees determined that Green’s touch on the rim did not affect the ball’s trajectory, affirming Curry’s heroics in crunch time. This decision left the Thunder with the daunting task of covering the full 94 feet of the court with just 0.2 seconds to play.
The game reached its conclusion when Josh Giddey’s high-arcing baseball pass was tipped and intercepted by Chris Paul, sealing the Warriors’ fourth consecutive road victory. The outcome prompted an array of wild and bewildered reactions on social media from fans of both the Warriors, the Thunder, and basketball enthusiasts around the world.
Stephen Curry, the standout performer of the night, led all scorers with 30 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 5-of-10 from beyond the three-point line. He also contributed eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Lu Dort displayed an outstanding performance by hitting his first nine shots, including six three-pointers, en route to 29 points, helping compensate for the absence of the Thunder’s star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was sidelined with a left knee sprain.
Jonathan Kuminga showcased his prowess for the Warriors, bouncing back from a challenging first half to score 19 points and provide relentless defense down the stretch. Andrew Wiggins broke free from his early-season slump, adding 17 points on 11 shots while excelling in offensive rebounding. Chet Holmgren was a force to be reckoned with on the court, aside from Curry, compelling Golden State to adapt its defensive strategy at halftime. Holmgren recorded 24 points, eight rebounds, and five assists on 7-of-9 shooting from the field.
The electric atmosphere and intensity of the game would have been remarkable even without the added stakes of the in-season tournament. It’s clear that the NBA can take pride in knowing that one of its marquee matchups on opening night will be etched into the memories of not just Dub Nation but basketball fans worldwide, forever.