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    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and OKC Thunder hold off Golden State Warriors

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    SAN FRANCISCO – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seemed to want more than anything – no, need – one of his many potentially heartbreaking jump shots dropping Wednesday.

    Because without Jalen Williams, the soul at the heart of Gilgeous-Alexander, one of two viable on-ball creators on a team with bodies dropping like flies, the Thunder’s offense was grasping at straws.

    Whoever Gilgeous-Alexander finally wanted to get in had just under 1:30 to play in OKC’s 105-101 win against the Warriors at Chase Center.

    Gilgeous-Alexander, who at times seemed like a foul unto himself, has had several lineups to his name this season. He has survived days without centers. He has survived missing role players. But Williams, his hard shot, his off-ball saving partner-in-crime?

    That reality was unknown.

    Before leaving Wednesday’s first half with a right eye injury, Williams had tied his most free-throw attempts ever in a half. He helped harass the non-Steph Curry Warriors. He hit his signature hard shots.

    Next to him, Gilgeous-Alexander was 8 for 12 with 19 points. Without him, the superstar guard was 5 for 16, just 3 for 11 in the fourth.

    OKC’s offense limped across the finish line behind Gilgeous-Alexander at the end of 3 hours. He had spent most of the quarter trying to pin Golden State with step back after step back. Exploring, advancing, seemingly unwilling to lose himself in the Warriors’ still-fierce defense.

    Before his 3, the Thunder were 4 for 15 and 0 for 8 from 3 in the fourth quarter.

    Golden State’s physicality at times challenged and abused a Thunder rotation through bodies and was forced to turn to rookies.

    Finally, center Isaiah Hartenstein slipped his feet while defending Buddy Hield, and perimeter glove Lu Dort chased down a late layup attempt to help the Thunder escape.

    OKC’s offense may have been a search for answers, but the defense provided some clarity.

    More: Jalen Williams injury update: OKC Thunder forward out vs Warriors after right eye injury

    More: Russell Westbrook, the star who stayed with Thunder, continues to give back to OKC | Mussatto

    Thunder vs. Warriors live score updates

    More: For OKC Thunder, the wins and injuries continue to increase, but it’s ‘next next man up’

    What time is Thunder vs. Warriors

    • Date: Wednesday November 27
    • Time: 9pm CT
    • Where: Chase Center in San Francisco

    More: Thunder vs. Warriors injury updates, predictions: Stephen Curry out vs. OKC

    • TV: ESPN
    • Watch online: Fubo (free trial)
    • Radio: WWLS 98.1FM

    More: Isaiah Hartenstein’s Shares Still Soaring Somehow With OKC Thunder: ‘He’s a Dream Big Man’

    Thunder vs. Warriors odds

    Odds available via BetMGM from Tuesday, November 26

    Chances: Thunder with 2.5

    Top/bottom: 227.5

    Moneyline: OKC-145 | Golden State +120

    More: OKC Thunder storm past Kings behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams

    OKC Thunder roster

    • Alex Caruso, PG
    • Ousmane Dieng, SF
    • Luguentz Dort, SG
    • Alex Ducas, SG*
    • Adam Flagler, PG
    • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG
    • Isaiah Hartenstein, C
    • Chet Holmgren, PF
    • Isaiah Joe, SG
    • Dillon Jones, S.F
    • Ajay Mitchell, S.G.*
    • Alex Reese, PF
    • Nikola Topić, PG
    • Cason Wallace, S.G
    • Aaron Wiggins, S.G
    • Jalen Williams, S.G
    • Jaylin Williams, PF
    • Kenrich Williams, PF

    *-two-way contract

    More: How is OKC Thunder forward Dillon Jones handling his NBA rookie training? Curiosity helps

    Thunder vs. Warriors highlights

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