The undermanned Golden State Warriors faced a formidable challenge against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chase Center on Thursday, resulting in a 128-109 defeat. This outcome wasn’t surprising given the absence of key players Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Here are three in-depth, immediate reactions to the Warriors’ fifth consecutive loss.

1. Defensive Struggles:
The Warriors, known for their historical success with switching across positions, found this strategy less effective without Curry’s one-on-one scoring prowess. The Thunder capitalized on Golden State’s defensive challenges, seamlessly switching defensively and exploiting the Warriors’ defensive lapses. The absence of Green, a defensive linchpin, was evident as the Warriors struggled with communication, leading to defensive breakdowns.

2. Offensive Rebounding Dominance:
Despite the loss, the Warriors showcased dominance on the offensive glass, an area where they excel. With the Thunder fielding a smaller lineup, the Warriors capitalized on their offensive rebounding prowess, with players like Kevon Looney and Andrew Wiggins making significant contributions. The offensive rebounding rate soared to impressive levels, providing a silver lining amid offensive struggles without Curry and Green.

3. Klay Thompson’s Struggles Continue:
Klay Thompson experienced a challenging night against the Thunder, reaching a low point in his illustrious career. Finishing with just five points on 1-of-10 shooting, Thompson’s offensive struggles were evident, and he couldn’t find compensatory success in other aspects of his game. The night marked a nadir for Thompson, emphasizing the challenges the Warriors face in generating offense without key players.

In summary, the Warriors grappled with defensive issues, showcased offensive rebounding dominance, but also faced significant challenges in scoring without key contributors. The absence of Curry and Green highlighted the team’s vulnerability, and the road ahead poses considerable hurdles for the Warriors as they navigate through this challenging stretch.