Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats

The golden state warriors vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats tell the story of a competitive NBA contest that highlighted efficient defense, clutch free throw shooting, and standout individual performances. Played on March 8, 2026, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, this matchup ended with the Thunder securing a 104-97 victory in front of 18,203 fans. While the Warriors produced strong stretches offensively, Oklahoma City’s balanced attack and late-game execution helped complete a season sweep.

For basketball fans, player statistics reveal much more than the final score. They explain which players controlled the pace, who created scoring opportunities, how each team approached the game tactically, and why momentum shifted throughout the four quarters. After reviewing this matchup in detail, one thing stands out clearly. Oklahoma City consistently made winning plays in critical moments, while Golden State struggled to convert enough high-value possessions late in the fourth quarter.

Match Overview

Match Detail	Information
Event	Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors
Date	March 8, 2026
Venue	Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
Attendance	18,203
Broadcast	ABC
Final Score	Oklahoma City Thunder 104, Golden State Warriors 97
Winning Team	Oklahoma City Thunder
Referees	Brent Barnaky, Ben Taylor, Scott Twardoski

Before tip-off, Oklahoma City entered the game with a 50-15 record and one of the NBA’s strongest home records at 26-7. Golden State arrived at 32-31, still fighting for playoff positioning while carrying a difficult 13-18 away record.

Those numbers reflected themselves during the game. The Thunder protected home court with disciplined basketball, while the Warriors fought back repeatedly but never completely erased Oklahoma City’s early advantage.

Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats

The golden state warriors vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats highlight excellent individual efforts on both sides. Although several Warriors enjoyed productive nights, Oklahoma City’s stars delivered when the game mattered most.

Golden State Warriors Player Statistics

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Key Contribution
Gui Santos	22	11	2	Team leader in scoring and rebounds
Brandin Podziemski	N/A	N/A	6	Team-high assists
Draymond Green	N/A	N/A	5	Defensive leadership and playmaking
Kristaps Porzingis	9	5	5	Strong contribution from the bench
Al Horford	N/A	N/A	N/A	Interior defense and veteran presence
Pat Spencer	N/A	N/A	N/A	Starting backcourt support

Gui Santos delivered arguably his finest all-around performance of the season. Recording 22 points and 11 rebounds, he finished with a double-double while providing energy on both ends of the floor. His aggressive drives and activity around the basket kept Golden State within striking distance throughout the contest.

Brandin Podziemski once again demonstrated why he has become an important secondary playmaker. His six assists helped maintain offensive flow despite Oklahoma City’s aggressive perimeter defense.

Draymond Green continued doing the work that often escapes traditional box scores. Alongside his five assists, he organized defensive rotations, communicated effectively, and helped limit transition opportunities.

Coming off the bench, Kristaps Porzingis added valuable production with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, giving Golden State much-needed versatility during second-unit minutes.

Oklahoma City Thunder Player Statistics

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Key Contribution
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	27	N/A	5	Leading scorer and offensive leader
Jaylin Williams	N/A	14	4	Dominated the glass
Kenrich Williams	13	7	N/A	Bench spark
Isaiah Joe	N/A	N/A	N/A	Floor spacing
Luguentz Dort	N/A	N/A	N/A	Defensive intensity
Cason Wallace	N/A	N/A	N/A	Perimeter defense

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again proved why he remains among the NBA’s elite guards. His 27-point performance came through efficient shot selection, patient drives, and timely free throws. Beyond scoring, he also contributed five assists, helping create opportunities whenever Golden State attempted double teams.

Jaylin Williams quietly produced one of the game’s most valuable performances. His 14 rebounds consistently ended Warriors possessions while generating second-chance opportunities for Oklahoma City.

Kenrich Williams supplied important production from the bench with 13 points and 7 rebounds, providing physical defense and hustle during critical stretches.

Team Statistics Comparison

While star performances attracted attention, the overall team numbers reveal why Oklahoma City emerged victorious.

Category	Warriors	Thunder
Field Goals	36-88 (41%)	33-78 (42%)
Three-Pointers	14-45 (31%)	15-42 (36%)
Free Throws	11-18 (61%)	23-24 (96%)
Total Rebounds	47	42
Assists	28	24
Turnovers	11	14
Steals	8	7
Blocks	3	1

Several numbers immediately stand out.

Golden State actually outrebounded Oklahoma City by five rebounds and also recorded more assists. Normally, those categories often translate into victories.

However, the difference came at the free throw line.

The Thunder converted an outstanding 23 of 24 free throws, reaching an incredible 96 percent accuracy. Golden State managed only 11 of 18, shooting 61 percent.

That twelve-point difference from the charity stripe alone proved decisive in a seven-point game.

Three-point efficiency also favored Oklahoma City. Although both teams attempted more than forty shots from beyond the arc, the Thunder connected on 36 percent, while Golden State finished at 31 percent.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Golden State started confidently, scoring 28 points, but Oklahoma City’s offense immediately found rhythm. The Thunder produced 34 points, building an early six-point advantage through aggressive ball movement and transition scoring.

Second Quarter

The second period followed a similar pattern.

Golden State added 26 points, yet Oklahoma City’s balanced offense generated 33, extending the halftime lead to thirteen points.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander controlled the pace throughout the first half, while Jaylin Williams dominated rebounds that prevented second-chance opportunities for Golden State.

Third Quarter

The Warriors responded impressively after halftime.

Scoring 29 points while limiting Oklahoma City to 19, Golden State nearly erased the deficit through improved defensive intensity and efficient ball movement.

Gui Santos played a significant role during this comeback, attacking the basket with confidence and finishing through contact.

Fourth Quarter

Both defenses tightened considerably in the final period.

Golden State managed only 14 points, while Oklahoma City scored 18, relying heavily on disciplined half-court offense and nearly flawless free throw shooting to secure the victory.

Late-game execution ultimately separated the teams, with the Thunder avoiding costly mistakes during the closing minutes.

How the Star Performers Influenced the Outcome

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Controlled the Tempo

Every time Golden State threatened to complete its comeback, Gilgeous-Alexander answered with timely scoring or smart playmaking.

Rather than forcing difficult shots, he consistently made the correct basketball decision, whether attacking the rim, drawing fouls, or finding open teammates.

His leadership was particularly noticeable during the fourth quarter when every possession carried increased importance.

Gui Santos Delivered His Best All-Around Game

For Golden State, Gui Santos emerged as the brightest performer.

His 22-point, 11-rebound double-double showcased his growing confidence and versatility. He contributed as both a scorer and rebounder while defending multiple positions throughout the evening.

Despite the loss, his performance offered encouraging signs for the Warriors moving forward.

Tactical Breakdown That Decided the Game

Although the final score showed only a seven point margin, the flow of the game suggested that Oklahoma City controlled most of the important moments. Golden State repeatedly found ways to close the gap, but the Thunder consistently answered with disciplined execution rather than spectacular individual plays.

From a basketball perspective, several tactical factors explain why Oklahoma City completed another victory over the Warriors.

Free Throw Efficiency Changed Everything

One statistic stands above every other.

Team	Made	Attempted	Percentage
Oklahoma City Thunder	23	24	96%
Golden State Warriors	11	18	61%

• Both teams played solid defense.
• Both teams shot around the same percentage from the field.
• Both teams shared the basketball effectively.

However, Oklahoma City’s ability to capitalize on nearly every trip to the free throw line created a decisive scoring advantage.

A twelve point difference from free throws is extremely difficult to overcome in any NBA game, especially against one of the league’s best defensive teams.

Better Shot Selection

Looking beyond raw shooting percentages, Oklahoma City displayed greater patience throughout the evening.

Rather than settling for difficult perimeter attempts, the Thunder attacked driving lanes, forced defensive rotations, and earned trips to the foul line.

Golden State attempted 45 three pointers, making only 14.

While outside shooting has long been part of the Warriors’ identity, relying heavily on perimeter scoring becomes risky when shots stop falling during crunch time.

The Thunder maintained a healthier offensive balance by combining perimeter shooting with aggressive drives to the basket.

Defensive Discipline

Another impressive aspect of Oklahoma City’s performance was its defensive consistency.

Instead of chasing steals or gambling for highlight plays, the Thunder stayed connected defensively, switched effectively, and forced Golden State into contested jump shots during key possessions.

Although Golden State recorded 28 assists, many of those came during stretches when Oklahoma City remained comfortable protecting its lead rather than allowing easy baskets near the rim.

Individual Performance Analysis

Gui Santos Continues His Development

One of the biggest positives for Golden State was the continued emergence of Gui Santos.

His stat line included:

• 22 points
• 11 rebounds
• Double double
• Team leading scorer
• Team leading rebounder

Watching Santos throughout this game, his confidence was evident.

Instead of waiting for opportunities, he actively attacked mismatches, crashed the boards, and competed on every possession.

His rebounding was especially valuable because Oklahoma City entered the contest with one of the NBA’s stronger frontcourts.

If Santos continues producing at this level, Golden State gains another reliable two way contributor capable of impacting games beyond scoring alone.

Shai Gilgeous Alexander Showed MVP Level Composure

Whenever Golden State appeared ready to seize momentum, Shai Gilgeous Alexander calmly slowed the pace and made winning decisions.

His final numbers included:

• 27 points
• 5 assists
• Team leading scorer

What impressed me most was not simply the scoring total.

It was the efficiency of those points.

Rather than chasing spectacular plays, he consistently created high percentage opportunities, accepted contact, and trusted teammates when defensive pressure increased.

That type of decision making separates elite guards from great scorers.

Jaylin Williams Won the Battle Inside

Statistics sometimes overlook players who dominate without scoring huge point totals.

Jaylin Williams represented exactly that type of performance.

His contributions included:

• 14 rebounds
• 4 assists
• Strong interior defense
• Physical screen setting

Every defensive rebound prevented Golden State from extending possessions.

Every offensive rebound created another scoring opportunity for Oklahoma City.

His impact extended far beyond the traditional box score.

Bench Production

Championship caliber teams rarely depend entirely on starters.

Both benches contributed meaningful minutes.

Golden State Bench

Kristaps Porzingis provided valuable versatility.

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists
Kristaps Porzingis	9	5	5

His ability to stretch the floor while facilitating offense helped stabilize the Warriors during several rotations.

Oklahoma City Bench

Kenrich Williams supplied outstanding energy.

Player	Points	Rebounds
Kenrich Williams	13	7

His hustle plays, defensive effort, and rebounding helped maintain Oklahoma City’s physical identity whenever the starters rested.

Starting Lineup Comparison

Golden State Warriors Starters

• Draymond Green
• Gui Santos
• Al Horford
• Pat Spencer
• Brandin Podziemski

This lineup emphasized experience, versatility, and ball movement.

Draymond Green remained the defensive anchor, while Brandin Podziemski handled much of the offensive creation.

Gui Santos emerged as the primary scorer on this particular night.

Oklahoma City Thunder Starters

• Jaylin Williams
• Shai Gilgeous Alexander
• Isaiah Joe
• Luguentz Dort
• Cason Wallace

The Thunder’s starting group combined athleticism, perimeter defense, and efficient shot creation.

Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace pressured Golden State’s guards throughout the game, making every offensive possession difficult.

Team Strengths Displayed

Golden State Warriors

Despite losing, several encouraging areas stood out.

Positive takeaways

• Won the rebounding battle
• Recorded more assists
• Protected the basketball relatively well
• Received strong production from young players
• Mounted an impressive third quarter comeback

These positives indicate that Golden State competed effectively against one of the league’s best teams.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder reinforced why they finished among the NBA’s elite teams.

Key strengths included:

• Outstanding free throw shooting
• Excellent late game execution
• Consistent defensive communication
• Balanced scoring
• Smart shot selection
• Strong bench production

These characteristics often define teams capable of making deep playoff runs.

Season Series Recap

This matchup completed the regular season series.

Game	Result
Game 1	Oklahoma City 126, Golden State 102
Game 2	Oklahoma City 124, Golden State 112
Game 3	Oklahoma City 131, Golden State 94
Game 4	Oklahoma City 104, Golden State 97

Final season series result:

Oklahoma City Thunder won 4 to 0.

Although the fourth meeting was significantly more competitive than the previous contests, Oklahoma City demonstrated consistency across all four games.

The Thunder adapted to different game situations, offensive styles, and defensive adjustments while maintaining their winning formula.

What This Result Meant for Both Teams

Coming into the contest, Oklahoma City already possessed one of the NBA’s best records.

After another victory, the Thunder continued strengthening their position among the league’s top contenders.

Golden State, meanwhile, remained in a difficult race for postseason positioning.

Even though the Warriors lost, the performance showed several encouraging developments.

Young contributors stepped forward.

The defense improved after halftime.

The team competed against one of basketball’s strongest opponents until the closing minutes.

Those positives matter during a long NBA season, even when the final score does not go your way.

Historical Context

Looking at the broader picture, Oklahoma City’s dominance over Golden State during the 2025 to 2026 season was not the result of one exceptional performance.

Instead, it reflected consistent execution across four meetings.

The Thunder finished the regular season:

• 64 wins
• 18 losses
• First place in the Northwest Division

Golden State concluded with:

• 37 wins
• 45 losses
• Fourth place in the Pacific Division

Those final standings mirrored what fans observed throughout the season.

Oklahoma City consistently performed like a championship contender, while Golden State experienced stretches of excellent basketball but lacked the consistency required to defeat elite opponents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the final golden state warriors vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats?

The game ended with the Oklahoma City Thunder defeating the Golden State Warriors 104-97 on March 8, 2026. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 27 points, while Gui Santos paced Golden State with 22 points and 11 rebounds. The Thunder also shot an outstanding 96% from the free throw line, which proved to be one of the biggest factors in the victory.

Who was the top scorer in the game?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished as the game’s leading scorer with 27 points. His efficient scoring, composure in late-game situations, and ability to create offense for teammates helped Oklahoma City maintain control throughout the contest.

Which Warriors player had the best overall performance?

Gui Santos delivered Golden State’s most complete performance. He recorded 22 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double while providing energy on both offense and defense. His performance was one of the brightest positives for the Warriors despite the loss.

Why did Oklahoma City Thunder win the game?

Several factors contributed to the Thunder’s victory.

• Elite free throw shooting at 23-of-24 (96%)
• Better three-point efficiency
• Strong defensive execution during the fourth quarter
• Balanced scoring from starters and bench players
• Effective rebounding from Jaylin Williams
• Leadership from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in crucial possessions

Together, these strengths allowed Oklahoma City to protect its lead and complete a season sweep.

How did the season series finish?

The Oklahoma City Thunder won all four regular-season meetings against the Golden State Warriors.

The results were:

• November 12: Thunder 126, Warriors 102
• December 3: Thunder 124, Warriors 112
• January 3: Thunder 131, Warriors 94
• March 8: Thunder 104, Warriors 97

The clean sweep highlighted Oklahoma City’s consistency throughout the 2025-26 season.

Conclusion

The golden state warriors vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats provide a clear picture of why Oklahoma City secured another victory and completed a 4-0 regular-season sweep. Although Golden State competed with determination and showed encouraging performances from Gui Santos, Brandin Podziemski, and Kristaps Porzingis, the Thunder executed more efficiently in the areas that mattered most.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again demonstrated elite leadership by combining scoring with smart decision-making, while Jaylin Williams controlled the boards and Kenrich Williams gave Oklahoma City valuable production off the bench. Team statistics further reinforce the outcome. Despite the Warriors finishing with more rebounds and assists, Oklahoma City’s superior free throw shooting, slightly better perimeter efficiency, and disciplined defense proved decisive in a game where every possession mattered.

From an analytical standpoint, this matchup serves as an excellent example of how basketball games are often decided by execution rather than volume. Winning the rebounding battle or recording more assists does not always guarantee success if a team struggles at the free throw line or fails to capitalize on key scoring opportunities. Oklahoma City excelled in those situations, while Golden State was unable to fully recover after falling behind early.

For fans, coaches, and analysts, this game offered valuable insights into both teams. The Thunder reinforced their status as one of the league’s elite teams during the 2025-26 campaign, while the Warriors displayed flashes of promise that could become a foundation for future improvement. Examining both the individual performances and the team statistics provides a much deeper understanding of the contest than the final score alone.