The Oklahoma City Thunder (12-14) had their seven-game win streak snapped in Golden State 114-109 Thursday night after Kevin Durant went down late in the first half with a mild right ankle sprain.
Durant went 10-13 from the field with 30 points before rolling his ankle after stepping on the foot of Marreese Speights. According to reports, Durant’s status is day-to-day but has been ruled out for Friday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. He will be re-evaluated Saturday.
According to Durant’s post game interview he wanted to go back into the game and play but the coaching staff wanted to be cautious. Durant’s first half made him the first player since the ABA/NBA merger to score 30 points in less than 20 minutes.
The Thunder are still making up ground after a 3-12 start that was largely caused by major injuries to key players including Durant and Russell Westbrook. Due to the competitiveness of the Western Conference combined with OKC still trying to dig themselves out of a hole, the Thunder cannot afford for Durant to stay out long.
The Thunder has managed to make up ground since the return of their All-Star duo going 8-2 in their last 10 games.
Despite having to play without the reigning MVP in the second half, OKC played tough managing to keep the game within one possession down most of the stretch and briefly took a one point lead but couldn’t get the buckets to fall in the final minutes. Westbrook led the way in Durant’s absence and ended the night with 33 points, eight assists and two steals.
Early season MVP candidate Stephen Curry led the way for the Warriors going for 34 points, seven rebounds and nine assists on the night. With the victory over OKC, the Warriors moved to 22-3, best record in the NBA.
OKC takes on the Lakers Friday night. Golden State will take the weekend off before hosting the Sacramento Kings Monday night.
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