Sad; Massive Setback Thunder Waste Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 52-Point Masterpiece In Costly Loss To
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s biggest flaw was on full display as they failed to capitalize on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s outstanding 52-point performance in a 138-136 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Despite his historic night, the Thunder’s defensive struggles and lack of support ultimately cost them the game.
Gilgeous-Alexander dominated offensively, setting a career-high and breaking the Thunder’s franchise record for points in a regular-season game. However, his teammates couldn’t provide enough help, and Oklahoma City’s defense allowed Golden State to stay in the game. The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry’s clutch shooting and strong contributions from their supporting cast, managed to secure the victory in the final moments.
One of the biggest concerns for the Thunder was their inability to get key stops when it mattered most. Golden State consistently found quality shots, especially from beyond the arc, exposing Oklahoma City’s defensive weaknesses. Even with Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroics, the lack of depth and defensive execution proved costly.
This loss highlights a recurring issue for the Thunder—relying too heavily on their star player. While Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently delivered, the team needs more from its supporting cast to compete at a high level, especially against elite opponents. If Oklahoma City wants to make a deep playoff run, they must address their defensive shortcomings and develop a more balanced offensive attack. Otherwise, even historic performances like this one may not be enough to secure wins.