Golden state warriors vs Oklahoma city thunder match player stats
The golden state warriors vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats from March 8, 2026, tell a much more detailed story than the final score alone. Oklahoma City defeated Golden State 104-97 at Paycom Center, earning its 50th win of the season, while the Warriors dropped to 32-31. The official NBA record lists the game as March 7 locally in Oklahoma City, with the game information showing March 8 in the event timing, which is why both dates can appear in different listings.
The seven-point margin does not fully explain how the game developed. Oklahoma City built a 67-54 halftime advantage, Golden State responded with a strong third quarter, and the Warriors eventually tied the game at 77 late in the third. The Thunder then regained control and protected the lead in the final period. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 27 points, while Gui Santos led Golden State with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
For anyone studying the golden state warriors vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats, several details stand out immediately. Oklahoma City shot 42 percent from the field compared with Golden State’s 41 percent, but the Thunder were far more efficient at the free throw line, making 23 of 24 attempts. Golden State made only 11 of 18 free throws. That difference created a 12-point advantage for Oklahoma City at the stripe and became one of the clearest statistical separators in a seven-point game.
Game Overview
The matchup took place at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City in front of 18,203 spectators. The Thunder entered the game with a 50-15 record and a 26-7 home record, while Golden State came in at 32-31 overall and 13-18 on the road. The officials were Brent Barnaky, Ben Taylor, and Scott Twardoski, and the game was broadcast on ABC.
| Category | Golden State Warriors | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Final Score | 97 | 104 |
| Q1 | 28 | 34 |
| Q2 | 26 | 33 |
| Q3 | 29 | 19 |
| Q4 | 14 | 18 |
| Field Goals | 36-88 | 33-78 |
| FG Percentage | 41% | 42% |
| Three-Pointers | 14-45 | 15-42 |
| 3PT Percentage | 31% | 36% |
| Free Throws | 11-18 | 23-24 |
| Rebounds | 47 | 42 |
| Assists | 28 | 24 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 14 |
| Steals | 8 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
The numbers show a game where Golden State actually held several statistical advantages. The Warriors collected five more rebounds, recorded four more assists, committed three fewer turnovers, and produced more steals and blocks. Yet Oklahoma City still won because it converted its scoring opportunities more efficiently, especially at the free throw line and from three-point range.
Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats
The individual numbers provide the clearest explanation of how Golden State competed despite losing.
Gui Santos Leads Golden State’s Scoring
Gui Santos was Golden State’s leading scorer with 22 points in 37 minutes. He shot 8 of 19 from the field, 2 of 9 from three-point range, and 4 of 6 from the free throw line.
His 11 rebounds were particularly important because they made him the Warriors’ only player to record a double-double in the supplied box score. He also contributed three assists, two steals, and only one turnover.
Santos’ offensive efficiency was mixed. His 42.1 percent field goal rate was respectable, but his 22.2 percent three-point shooting shows that the long-range opportunities did not consistently fall. Still, his rebounding production gave Golden State extra possessions and helped the Warriors win the overall rebounding battle 47-42.
His plus/minus was -4, which was relatively close to the final margin. That figure should not be interpreted in isolation, but it does fit the broader picture: Santos contributed across multiple categories while playing heavy minutes.
Draymond Green Provides Efficient Two-Way Production
Draymond Green produced one of the most efficient offensive performances in the Warriors’ lineup.
He finished with:
- 16 points
- 6-of-10 field goals
- 4-of-6 three-pointers
- 5 assists
- 4 rebounds
- 2 steals
- 4 turnovers
- 33 minutes
Green’s 60 percent field goal shooting and 66.7 percent three-point shooting were excellent. More importantly, he created offense without needing a high number of attempts.
His four turnovers, however, mattered. Golden State finished the game with only 11 turnovers as a team, so Green accounted for a substantial portion of them. Against a team as aggressive defensively as Oklahoma City, possessions become especially important.
Green also defended effectively in several key sequences. The official game recap notes that Gilgeous-Alexander’s late three-pointer came with Green defending him closely, giving Oklahoma City a five-point lead with 42.4 seconds remaining.
Brandin Podziemski Supplies Playmaking and Perimeter Scoring
Brandin Podziemski played 39 minutes, the highest total among the listed Golden State players.
He recorded:
- 17 points
- 6-of-17 shooting
- 3-of-10 from three
- 2-of-2 free throws
- 6 rebounds
- 6 assists
- 2 steals
- 1 turnover
The most encouraging part of this line from a statistical perspective is the combination of six assists and only one turnover. That represents efficient ball distribution in a game where Oklahoma City’s defense forced mistakes elsewhere.
The weakness was shooting efficiency. Podziemski attempted 17 field goals but made six, and his 3-of-10 performance from three-point range limited the value of his perimeter volume.
Still, his all-around contribution helped Golden State stay competitive. His six rebounds and six assists demonstrate that his role extended beyond scoring.
Gary Payton II Makes an Impact on the Glass
Gary Payton II scored only seven points, but his 12 rebounds were highly significant.
He played 22 minutes and added one assist, one steal, and one turnover. His 12 rebounds were the second-highest individual total in the game, behind Jaylin Williams’ 14.
This is an important example of why player evaluation should not focus only on points. Payton’s offensive scoring was modest, but his rebounding helped Golden State finish with a 47-42 team advantage.
Kristaps Porzingis Contributes in Several Areas
Kristaps Porzingis finished with nine points, five rebounds, five assists, and one block in 23 minutes.
His shooting was not efficient. He made 3 of 10 field goals and missed all three of his three-point attempts. However, five assists from the frontcourt position added value to Golden State’s offensive structure.
His +6 plus/minus was also the strongest positive figure among the listed Warriors with significant playing time. Plus/minus is a lineup-context statistic rather than a complete individual performance measure, but it provides useful information about how the team performed during his minutes.
Pat Spencer Gives Golden State Efficient Minutes
Pat Spencer scored nine points on 4-of-6 shooting in 25 minutes.
He also contributed one rebound, one assist, one steal, and two turnovers.
His 66.7 percent field goal rate was one of Golden State’s better shooting performances. However, the team’s offensive challenges were larger than any single bench player’s efficiency.
Al Horford’s Production Was Limited
Al Horford recorded four points, five rebounds, four assists, and one block in 29 minutes.
He shot 2 of 6 from the field and missed all three of his three-point attempts.
The four assists were useful, particularly from a frontcourt player, but Golden State needed more scoring efficiency from the lineup as a whole.
Other Golden State Contributions
Malevy Leons played only six minutes but scored three points on 1-of-2 shooting and made his only three-point attempt. He also added two assists and one block.
LJ Cryer scored six points and made 2 of 4 three-point attempts.
Nate Williams scored four points but shot 1 of 6 from the field.
These smaller contributions matter when analyzing the entire rotation, but the major offensive load remained concentrated among Santos, Green, and Podziemski.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Controls the Scoring Battle
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was Oklahoma City’s leading scorer with 27 points.
His complete line was:
- 27 points
- 6-of-15 field goals
- 1-of-4 three-pointers
- 14-of-15 free throws
- 5 rebounds
- 5 assists
- 4 turnovers
- 1 steal
- 1 block
- +3 plus/minus
At first glance, his 40 percent field goal shooting does not look dominant. The more important detail is his free throw production.
Gilgeous-Alexander made 14 of 15 free throws, generating 14 points without needing another field goal attempt. Oklahoma City as a team went 23-of-24 from the line.
That is one of the central reasons the Thunder won.
The official NBA recap also noted that Gilgeous-Alexander had scored at least 20 points in 125 consecutive games at the time of this matchup.
His biggest moment came late. With Oklahoma City leading 99-97, he hit a three-pointer with 42.4 seconds remaining, pushing the Thunder ahead by five. That shot effectively changed the final possession sequence and gave Oklahoma City enough separation to close the game.
Isaiah Joe Provides Major Secondary Scoring
Isaiah Joe scored 18 points in 35 minutes.
He shot:
- 5-of-12 from the field
- 2-of-7 from three
- 6-of-6 from the free throw line
Joe also recorded four rebounds and three assists while committing no turnovers.
The zero-turnover performance is especially useful when examining the Thunder’s offensive balance. Joe did not simply add points. He maintained possession security while providing spacing and perimeter scoring.
His perfect 6-of-6 free throw shooting also contributed to Oklahoma City’s 96 percent team mark from the stripe.
Kenrich Williams Supplies Efficient Bench Production
Kenrich Williams scored 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including 2-of-4 from three.
He added seven rebounds and one assist without committing a turnover.
His +2 plus/minus was not spectacular, but the combination of efficient shooting, rebounding, and mistake-free ball handling made his 19 minutes productive.
He was also one of four Thunder players to score at least nine points.
Jaylin Williams Controls the Boards
Jaylin Williams recorded 14 rebounds, the highest total for either team.
He played 33 minutes and added nine points and four assists. His shooting line was 3-of-7 from the field and 3-of-6 from three.
The weakness was turnovers. He committed six, the highest individual total in the game.
That combination creates an interesting statistical contrast. Williams was a major reason Oklahoma City stayed competitive on the glass, but his turnovers represented lost possessions.
His 14 rebounds helped the Thunder offset Golden State’s overall 47-42 rebounding advantage at the team level because Oklahoma City received major contributions from several other players as well.
Cason Wallace’s Defense Shows Up in the Box Score
Cason Wallace scored nine points, but his defensive impact was much larger than his scoring total suggests.
He finished with four steals, the highest total in the game.
He also shot 4-of-8 from the field and added two assists. His three turnovers prevented the performance from being completely clean offensively, but the defensive activity was significant.
Four steals can change the shape of a game by creating transition opportunities and disrupting offensive possessions.
Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins Add Two-Way Value
Luguentz Dort scored eight points and added five rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
He shot 3-of-10 from the field and 2-of-7 from three. His offensive efficiency was not strong, but his +6 plus/minus suggests that his overall lineup contribution was positive during his minutes.
Aaron Wiggins added nine points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal while making 3 of 9 field goals.
His four assists from a secondary role were useful because Oklahoma City did not need to rely exclusively on its primary scorer for playmaking.
Jared McCain Adds Three-Point Shooting
Jared McCain played 13 minutes and scored nine points.
All three of his made field goals came from three-point range. He shot 3-of-6 from deep and finished with a +1 plus/minus.
That is a classic high-value bench contribution: limited minutes, efficient scoring, and no turnovers.
Team Shooting Comparison
The team shooting numbers are one of the most revealing parts of the golden state warriors vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats.
Golden State attempted 88 field goals and made 36, producing a 41 percent field goal rate.
Oklahoma City attempted only 78 field goals and made 33, producing a 42 percent rate.
That means the Warriors actually attempted 10 more field goals but made only three more.
This difference demonstrates why shot volume alone does not guarantee offensive success.
Three-Point Shooting
Golden State:
- 14-of-45
- 31 percent
Oklahoma City:
- 15-of-42
- 36 percent
The Thunder made one more three-pointer despite taking three fewer attempts.
That is a relatively small difference in made threes, but the efficiency gap is meaningful. Oklahoma City generated better returns from its perimeter attempts.
Free Throw Shooting
Golden State:
- 11-of-18
- 61 percent
Oklahoma City:
- 23-of-24
- 96 percent
This was the biggest shooting difference of the game.
The Thunder scored 23 points from free throws, while Golden State scored 11. That is a 12-point advantage for Oklahoma City.
Because the final margin was seven points, the free throw differential alone was larger than the final scoring gap.
That does not mean free throws were the only reason for the result. Basketball outcomes come from multiple possessions and interactions. But in this game, free throw efficiency clearly had an outsized statistical impact.
Rebounding Tells a Different Story
Golden State won the rebounding battle 47-42.
That five-rebound advantage is significant because rebounds create additional possessions and can reduce second-chance opportunities for the opponent.
Gui Santos collected 11 rebounds, while Gary Payton II added 12.
Oklahoma City’s leader was Jaylin Williams with 14, followed by Kenrich Williams with seven.
Despite losing the overall rebounding count, Oklahoma City did enough in other categories to compensate.
This is a useful reminder that no single box-score category should be treated as a complete explanation for a game’s result.
Ball Movement and Turnovers
Golden State finished with 28 assists and 11 turnovers.
Oklahoma City had 24 assists and 14 turnovers.
On the surface, Golden State’s assist-to-turnover profile was better.
The Warriors generated more assists while committing fewer turnovers, yet they still lost.
That result reinforces the importance of scoring efficiency. Good possession management helps, but it must ultimately translate into points.
Golden State’s 41 percent overall shooting and 61 percent free throw shooting limited the benefit of its ball security.
Oklahoma City’s 14 turnovers were not ideal, but the Thunder compensated through free throw accuracy and three-point efficiency.
The Four-Quarter Story
First Quarter
Oklahoma City opened the game with a 34-28 advantage.
The six-point lead immediately placed Golden State in a position where it had to chase the game.
Second Quarter
The Thunder extended the advantage by winning the second quarter 33-26.
At halftime, Oklahoma City led 67-54.
The 13-point halftime margin was the largest sustained advantage created by the Thunder during the game.
Third Quarter
Golden State responded strongly after halftime.
The Warriors scored 29 points while holding Oklahoma City to 19.
The 10-point swing reduced the Thunder’s halftime advantage and changed the game’s momentum.
The official NBA game recap notes that a three-pointer by Malevy Leons tied the game at 77 with just over four minutes remaining in the third quarter. Oklahoma City then recovered enough to take an 86-83 lead into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter
The final period was low scoring.
Golden State managed only 14 points, while Oklahoma City scored 18.
The Thunder’s ability to maintain a small advantage became decisive because the Warriors could not recreate their third-quarter offensive surge.
With the score at 99-97, Gilgeous-Alexander’s late three-pointer gave Oklahoma City a five-point lead with 42.4 seconds left.
Why the Final Seven-Point Margin Matters
A seven-point final margin can sometimes make a game look closer than it actually was.
In this matchup, the score did become extremely competitive during the third quarter, but Oklahoma City’s early 13-point halftime advantage created important context.
The Thunder also led the season series 4-0.
The four meetings were:
| Game | Result |
| Nov. 12, 2025 | Oklahoma City 126, Golden State 102 |
| Dec. 3, 2025 | Oklahoma City 124, Golden State 112 |
| Jan. 3, 2026 | Oklahoma City 131, Golden State 94 |
| Mar. 8, 2026 | Oklahoma City 104, Golden State 97 |
Across those four meetings, Oklahoma City consistently controlled the matchup. The March meeting was the closest of the four, but it still completed a 4-0 season sweep.
The official NBA schedule records the same four results in the matchup history.
What the Player Stats Reveal About Each Team
The golden state warriors vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats reveal two teams that won different statistical battles.
Golden State was better in:
- Total rebounds
- Assists
- Turnovers
- Steals
- Blocks
- Field goal attempts
Oklahoma City was better in:
- Field goal percentage
- Three-point percentage
- Three-point makes
- Free throw percentage
- Free throw makes
- Final score
This is why the game cannot be reduced to a simple statement about one team dominating every category.
Golden State generated more opportunities in several areas. Oklahoma City converted its most important scoring opportunities at a higher rate.
Efficiency Versus Volume
One of the most useful lessons from this game is the difference between volume and efficiency.
Golden State attempted 88 field goals compared with Oklahoma City’s 78.
That is a 10-attempt advantage.
Yet Oklahoma City won.
Why?
Because the Thunder produced more efficient scoring from the field, shot substantially better from the free throw line, and converted 15 three-pointers.
A team can create more attempts and still lose if its conversion rate is lower.
That is exactly what happened here.
The Importance of Free Throws
The free throw numbers deserve special attention.
Oklahoma City made 23 free throws.
Golden State made 11.
The difference was 12 points.
The final difference was seven.
That means Oklahoma City’s free throw advantage exceeded the final winning margin.
This does not mean the game would automatically have produced a different result if the teams had shot the same number of free throws. Basketball possessions are interconnected, and changing one element can affect everything that follows.
Still, the statistic identifies a major area that separated the teams.
The Late-Game Execution Difference
Close games are often decided by a small number of possessions.
This matchup reached that point in the final minutes.
The Warriors were within two points at 99-97 before Gilgeous-Alexander hit the late three-pointer.
That sequence is particularly important because Oklahoma City did not need a large scoring run. It needed one high-value possession.
The ability to create a shot and convert it under late-game pressure provided the Thunder with the separation required to close out the win.
The official NBA recap specifically identifies that three as the decisive late-game play.
A Closer Look at Plus/Minus
Plus/minus should always be interpreted carefully.
For Golden State, Kristaps Porzingis recorded +6, Malevy Leons +3, and Draymond Green 0.
For Oklahoma City, Brooks Barnhizer posted +9, Aaron Wiggins +8, Isaiah Joe +7, and Luguentz Dort +6.
These figures indicate how the team performed during each player’s minutes, not how many points that player personally created.
For example, a player can have a strong individual scoring performance and still have a negative plus/minus because of what happened during other possessions while he was on the court.
The same principle applies in reverse.
Therefore, plus/minus works best when combined with shooting, rebounding, assists, turnovers, defensive activity, and role.
What Stands Out From the Box Score
Several individual performances deserve special recognition from a purely statistical standpoint.
Golden State
Gui Santos: 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Draymond Green: 16 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals on 60 percent shooting.
Brandin Podziemski: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals.
Gary Payton II: 12 rebounds in 22 minutes.
Kristaps Porzingis: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block.
Oklahoma City
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 27 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 14-of-15 free throws.
Isaiah Joe: 18 points with 6-of-6 free throw shooting and zero turnovers.
Jaylin Williams: 14 rebounds and 4 assists.
Kenrich Williams: 13 points and 7 rebounds on 5-of-9 shooting.
Cason Wallace: 4 steals.
These numbers show that Oklahoma City’s production was not dependent on one player alone. Gilgeous-Alexander led the scoring, but Joe, Kenrich Williams, Wallace, and Jaylin Williams each supplied important secondary contributions.
What Fans and Analysts Should Take From the Match
The most useful way to read this game is to look beyond the final score.
Golden State’s statistical profile was not poor across the board. The Warriors rebounded well, moved the ball, limited turnovers, and generated more field goal attempts.
The problem was conversion.
Oklahoma City did not dominate shooting volume. Instead, it maximized the scoring value of its possessions.
That distinction is especially important when evaluating future games. A box score should not simply answer who scored the most points. It should explain how those points were generated.
Understanding the Season Series
The four-game season series provides additional context.
Oklahoma City won all four games:
- 126-102
- 124-112
- 131-94
- 104-97
The Thunder scored at least 124 points in the first three meetings before the fourth game became a lower-scoring contest.
The March game therefore represented a different statistical profile from the earlier meetings. Oklahoma City still won, but the scoring environment was significantly lower.
The four-game results also show that the final matchup was not an isolated result. The teams had already played three times during the season, giving the March game a broader head-to-head context.
How to Read These Player Stats Correctly
When examining a box score like this, a useful process is:
- Start with the final score.
- Compare shooting percentages.
- Check three-point efficiency.
- Examine free throw attempts and accuracy.
- Compare rebounds.
- Look at assists and turnovers together.
- Identify high-impact defensive statistics.
- Review individual scoring efficiency.
- Check plus/minus for lineup context.
- Finally, examine the quarter-by-quarter progression.
This approach prevents one statistic from dominating the entire interpretation.
For example, if someone looked only at rebounds, Golden State would appear to have the advantage.
If someone looked only at scoring, Gilgeous-Alexander would clearly lead the individual scoring column.
If someone looked only at assists and turnovers, Golden State would have a strong statistical argument.
But the complete box score explains why Oklahoma City won.
Official Statistical Source
For readers who want to verify the complete box score, player statistics, play-by-play sequence, and game information, the official NBA game page provides the primary reference for this matchup. NBA official game box score and play-by-play
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Warriors vs Thunder game?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Golden State Warriors 104-97. The game was played at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Who was the leading scorer?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all players with 27 points for Oklahoma City. Gui Santos led Golden State with 22 points.
Who led the Warriors in rebounds?
Gary Payton II led Golden State with 12 rebounds, while Gui Santos recorded 11.
Who led the Thunder in rebounds?
Jaylin Williams led Oklahoma City with 14 rebounds. Kenrich Williams added seven rebounds.
How many three-pointers did each team make?
Oklahoma City made 15 of 42 three-point attempts, while Golden State made 14 of 45. The Thunder therefore made one more three-pointer and shot a higher percentage from deep.
How did the Thunder win despite Golden State having more rebounds and assists?
Oklahoma City compensated through better shooting efficiency, stronger three-point percentage, and especially free throw shooting. The Thunder made 23 of 24 free throws compared with Golden State’s 11 of 18.
Conclusion
The golden state warriors vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats from March 2026 provide a strong example of why basketball analysis requires more than looking at the final score.
Golden State had several statistical advantages. The Warriors collected 47 rebounds, recorded 28 assists, committed only 11 turnovers, and generated 14 three-pointers. Gui Santos produced 22 points and 11 rebounds, Draymond Green delivered efficient shooting and playmaking, and Brandin Podziemski filled multiple areas of the box score.
Oklahoma City, however, produced the more efficient scoring profile. The Thunder shot 42 percent from the field, 36 percent from three, and an exceptional 96 percent from the free throw line. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 27 points and delivered the decisive late three-pointer after Golden State had reduced the deficit.
The quarter-by-quarter numbers also explain the game’s flow. Oklahoma City built a 13-point halftime lead, Golden State responded with a 29-19 third quarter, and the Thunder then held on during a low-scoring fourth quarter.
The individual statistics show that both teams received meaningful contributions beyond their leading scorers. Oklahoma City’s depth helped balance Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring, while Golden State’s rebounding and ball movement kept the game competitive.
Most importantly, the matchup demonstrates the difference between creating opportunities and converting them. Golden State attempted more field goals and won the rebounding and assist categories, but Oklahoma City converted its scoring opportunities more efficiently and ultimately completed a 4-0 season sweep.
For readers researching golden state warriors vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats, the complete picture is therefore found in the combination of individual production, shooting efficiency, possession management, rebounding, defensive activity, and late-game execution rather than in any single statistic.
