"The Warriors, on a given night, can beat any team in the NBA, so this year's mantra goes.
Not when they turn the ball over 20 times. Not when they get out-rebounded by 19. Not when two of their top scorers total 28 points on 11-for-33 shooting. That's the kind of night the Warriors had against Oklahoma City, so it's no wonder Golden State fell 120-109 Friday at Oracle Arena.
The Warriors (6-12) missed their chance to gain some much-needed momentum, which is exactly what beating the owner of the NBA's best record would have done.
"We didn't do it today," coach Mark Jackson said. "They dominated us. ... They dominated us."
The Warriors were lit up for 37 points and 14 rebounds by Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant. They were toyed with by Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook, who totaled 28 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and seven steals. They were bullied by Oklahoma City power forward Serge Ibaka, who finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Oklahoma City grabbed 19 offensive rebounds and outscored the Warriors 58-28 in the paint.
"Their big guys played with a different motor," Jackson said. "I'm going to find guys that are going to play with a motor. I will live with mistakes. But I need guys to play with energy, effort, passion -- pursue the basketball." "