Golden State Warriors vs. Thunder preview (Game 6 of 82 / In-Season Tournament Game #1)

Golden State Warriors (4-1) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (3-2)
When: Friday, 03 November 2023 at 7:00pm CST
Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Offensive Rating – GS: 113.0 (10th) / OKC: 109.2 (15th)
Defensive Rating – GS: 104.4 (4th) / OKC: 110.5 (16th)
Net Rating – GS: 8.6 (5th) / OKC: -1.3 (18th)

The Set-Up

The mark of a dynasty isn’t just about championships. Sure, that plays a big role. But to me, a dynasty is one that doesn’t necessarily win 3 in a row and then flames out. But one that wins four championships in an eight year period. Five in an 11 year period. Because things are going to happen. You can’t be completely healthy for eight straight seasons. There are ebbs and flows. But teams like the Warriors and the 1996-2015 San Antonio Spurs always found ways to get back to the promised land.

We find ourselves back to square one with this Warriors team. The core is all a year older and have added Chris Paul to the mix. But the train just keeps moving along. Three-point shots, passes from Draymond Green, occasional solar flares from Klay Thompson, theatrics from Steph, and wins. It’s the same story, just a different season.

Injury Report

OKC

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (knee) – OUT

Kenrich Williams (back) – OUT

Jaylin Williams (hamstring) – QUESTIONABLE

GSW

None

Three Big Things

1. Starting Line-Up – With SGA out, it’ll be interesting to see who gets the nod in his spot. Last season Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins were the players likely to start for SGA. But, with the impressive play by Cason Wallace to start the season, why not give the rook a shot? He’s been consistent offensively and may provide more defensively than any other candidate.

2. Mid-range – While the Warriors are revered for their 3-point shooting, the addition of Chris Paul has opened up their mid-range game. The Warriors lead the league in percentage of points from the mid-range (a full percentage point ahead of the Monsters of the Mid-Range aka Chicago). This turn their offense into a pick your poison monster and makes them that much more effective.

3. Who steps up? – Is this the game where we see Chet have his Wemby vs. the Suns moment? Or maybe Jalen Williams (J-Dub) has a huge game like he did a couple times last season in the absence of SGA. Or maybe it’s Giddey having the type of game that reminds the Warriors why they wanted to draft him with the 7th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

4. The Stakes – This is game number one of the in-season tournament. New Jerseys. New court. The atmosphere should be rocking.