oklahoma city thunder vs golden state warriors match player stats
The oklahoma city thunder vs golden state warriors match player stats from March 8, 2026, highlight another impressive performance by Oklahoma City, which defeated Golden State 104-97 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder built an early advantage, survived a strong third-quarter response from the Warriors, and secured the victory through excellent free-throw shooting and timely contributions from their leading players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 27 points, while Gui Santos delivered an outstanding performance for Golden State with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Despite collecting more rebounds and recording more assists, the Warriors struggled to convert their scoring opportunities consistently. The result also completed a 4-0 regular-season series sweep for Oklahoma City.
The matchup offered an interesting contrast between two different approaches. Golden State generated additional possessions through offensive rebounding and moved the ball effectively, but Oklahoma City made better use of its trips to the free-throw line. That difference became particularly important during the final stages of the game.
This breakdown examines the final score, individual performances, starting lineups, team statistics, quarter-by-quarter scoring, and the key tactical factors behind Oklahoma City’s victory.
Game Overview: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors
The March 8 contest brought together two teams with different objectives and different levels of consistency during the game. Oklahoma City entered the matchup with a strong home-court advantage, while Golden State needed an efficient offensive performance to compete with one of the NBA’s most difficult teams to beat.
The Thunder ultimately controlled the scoreboard for most of the contest. Their strong opening quarters established a cushion that became valuable when the Warriors improved their shooting in the third period.
Match Information
| Game Detail | Information |
| Matchup | Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors |
| Date | March 8, 2026 |
| Competition | NBA Regular Season |
| Final Score | Thunder 104, Warriors 97 |
| Winning Team | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Losing Team | Golden State Warriors |
| Venue | Paycom Center |
| Location | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Attendance | 18,203 |
| Broadcast | ABC |
| Game Status | Final |
| Game ID | 401810775 |
| Referee 1 | Brent Barnaky |
| Referee 2 | Ben Taylor |
| Referee 3 | Scott Twardoski |
Oklahoma City finished with 104 points, seven more than Golden State’s 97. Although the final margin was relatively small, the Thunder’s ability to build an early lead and maintain their advantage at the free-throw line proved decisive.
The attendance of 18,203 also reflected the strong atmosphere at Paycom Center. Playing in front of their home crowd, the Thunder managed the important moments more effectively.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats
Individual performances explain why Oklahoma City won despite losing the rebounding battle and recording fewer assists.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 27 points, five rebounds, and five assists. His scoring provided the offensive foundation for Oklahoma City. Isaiah Joe added 18 points, giving the team another dependable scoring option.
For Golden State, Gui Santos produced the most impressive individual statistical line with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. Brandin Podziemski also contributed 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Draymond Green finished with 16 points, four rebounds, and five assists.
Golden State Warriors Player Statistics
The Warriors had several productive individual performances, but their overall shooting efficiency prevented those contributions from producing a winning result.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| Gui Santos | 22 | 11 | 3 |
| Brandin Podziemski | 17 | 6 | 6 |
| Draymond Green | 16 | 4 | 5 |
| Pat Spencer | 9 | 1 | 1 |
| Al Horford | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Malevy Leons | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Kristaps Porzingis | 9 | 5 | 5 |
| Gary Payton II | 7 | 12 | 1 |
| Nate Williams | 4 | Not provided | Not provided |
| LJ Cryer | 6 | Not provided | Not provided |
The table includes the statistics available in the supplied box-score data. Unreported individual categories have not been estimated.
Gui Santos Leads Golden State
Gui Santos was Golden State’s leading scorer and one of the most productive players on either team.
His 22 points and 11 rebounds gave him a double-double. He also contributed three assists, showing that his impact extended beyond scoring.
Several aspects of his performance deserve attention:
- Scoring production: His 22 points represented the highest individual total for Golden State.
- Rebounding: Eleven rebounds helped the Warriors compete on the glass.
- Playmaking: Three assists demonstrated his contribution to the team’s offensive movement.
- Consistency: He remained an important scoring option despite Oklahoma City’s defensive pressure.
Santos’ performance was especially valuable because Golden State needed multiple players to contribute offensively. His ability to score and rebound helped keep the Warriors competitive.
However, individual production was not enough to overcome the team’s overall shooting difficulties. Golden State finished the game shooting 41% from the field and 31% from three-point range.
Brandin Podziemski Provides Scoring and Playmaking
Brandin Podziemski delivered another important contribution for Golden State.
He recorded:
- 17 points
- 6 rebounds
- 6 assists
His six assists tied him for the highest assist total among the Warriors players listed in the supplied statistics, alongside Kristaps Porzingis.
Podziemski’s performance was valuable because he contributed in three major statistical categories. He could score when opportunities appeared, help teammates find better shooting positions, and support the rebounding effort.
His six assists also reflected Golden State’s ability to create opportunities through ball movement.
Nevertheless, the Warriors needed greater collective shooting efficiency to turn that offensive activity into enough points.
Draymond Green’s All-Around Contribution
Draymond Green finished with 16 points, four rebounds, and five assists.
His contribution was significant because he provided scoring while continuing to participate in the team’s playmaking responsibilities.
Green’s five assists helped Golden State move the ball and create opportunities for other players. His 16 points also made him the Warriors’ third-highest scorer in the supplied player statistics.
The challenge for Golden State was not simply a lack of individual production. The team had multiple players capable of contributing, but its offensive execution did not consistently translate into efficient possessions.
Golden State’s Bench Contributions
The Warriors received additional production from their reserve players.
Gary Payton II recorded seven points and 12 rebounds, making him a particularly important contributor on the glass. His 12 rebounds were the highest individual rebounding total among the listed Warriors players.
Kristaps Porzingis contributed nine points, five rebounds, and five assists. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking added another dimension to the second unit.
Other bench contributions included:
- Malevy Leons: 3 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists.
- Nate Williams: 4 points.
- LJ Cryer: 6 points.
The reserve unit provided useful support, but the Warriors needed more efficient scoring across the entire lineup.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Statistics
Oklahoma City received strong production from its leading scorer and several supporting players.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the primary offensive contributor, while Isaiah Joe provided valuable secondary scoring. Jaylin Williams also delivered an important rebounding performance.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 27 | 5 | 5 |
| Isaiah Joe | 18 | 4 | 3 |
| Jaylin Williams | 9 | 14 | 4 |
| Luguentz Dort | 8 | 5 | 2 |
| Cason Wallace | 9 | 0 | 2 |
| Brooks Barnhizer | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Kenrich Williams | 13 | 7 | 1 |
| Aaron Wiggins | 9 | 4 | 4 |
| Jared McCain | 9 | 2 | 1 |
Statistics reflect the supplied game data.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads the Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the strongest scoring performance of the night.
His final line included:
- 27 points
- 5 rebounds
- 5 assists
He was the game’s leading scorer and provided the offensive consistency Oklahoma City needed to maintain its advantage.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring was important throughout the contest because the Warriors were capable of producing runs. Oklahoma City needed a dependable offensive option who could help prevent Golden State from completely changing the momentum.
His balanced statistical line also demonstrated his involvement beyond putting the ball in the basket.
Five rebounds and five assists showed that he contributed to other areas of the game. His scoring leadership gave the Thunder a reliable foundation while other players supplied additional points.
Isaiah Joe Delivers 18 Important Points
Isaiah Joe finished with 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
His scoring was particularly important because Oklahoma City did not rely exclusively on Gilgeous-Alexander.
When a leading scorer receives most of the defensive attention, secondary scoring becomes essential. Joe’s 18 points gave the Thunder another offensive threat and helped distribute the scoring responsibility.
He also added four rebounds and three assists, making his contribution useful in several areas.
His performance demonstrated why supporting scorers matter in games against experienced teams. A strong secondary scoring option can prevent the opposing defense from focusing entirely on one player.
Jaylin Williams Controls the Rebounding Effort
Jaylin Williams produced one of the most interesting statistical performances of the game.
He finished with:
- 9 points
- 14 rebounds
- 4 assists
His 14 rebounds were the highest individual total among all players listed in the supplied box-score data.
Williams’ contribution was important because Golden State actually won the overall rebounding battle. His work on the boards helped Oklahoma City limit the impact of that team advantage.
Fourteen rebounds from one player provided valuable defensive support and helped the Thunder secure possessions after missed shots.
His four assists also showed that he contributed to the offense as a passer.
Although he scored only nine points, his overall influence was much greater than his scoring total alone might suggest.
Kenrich Williams Strengthens the Bench
Kenrich Williams added 13 points, seven rebounds, and one assist.
His scoring was the highest among the listed Oklahoma City bench contributors.
The 13-point performance gave the Thunder another productive option outside their primary starting scorers. His seven rebounds also helped maintain the team’s physical presence.
Bench production often becomes important when starters need rest or when opponents attempt to change the game’s momentum.
Kenrich Williams provided the type of supporting performance that helped Oklahoma City maintain its advantage.
Aaron Wiggins and Jared McCain Add Depth
Aaron Wiggins recorded nine points, four rebounds, and four assists.
His balanced contribution helped Oklahoma City distribute its offensive responsibilities.
Jared McCain also finished with nine points, two rebounds, and one assist. His scoring added another useful contribution from the bench.
Together, these performances demonstrated that Oklahoma City had several players capable of contributing when needed.
The Thunder’s scoring distribution was an important part of their success, particularly because the team did not need Gilgeous-Alexander to produce every point.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Breakdown
The scoring pattern provides a clear explanation of how Oklahoma City established control and how Golden State attempted to recover.
| Quarter | Golden State Warriors | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| First Quarter | 28 | 34 |
| Second Quarter | 26 | 33 |
| Third Quarter | 29 | 19 |
| Fourth Quarter | 14 | 18 |
| Final Score | 97 | 104 |
First Quarter: Oklahoma City Takes Control
Oklahoma City opened the game with 34 points, compared with Golden State’s 28.
The six-point advantage established an early lead and gave the Thunder a strong foundation.
Golden State still managed 28 points, indicating that its offense was capable of producing opportunities. However, the Warriors allowed Oklahoma City to score more efficiently during the opening period.
The Thunder’s ability to establish an early advantage reduced the pressure on their offense during later stages.
Second Quarter: Thunder Extend the Advantage
The second quarter was another productive period for Oklahoma City.
The Thunder scored 33 points, while Golden State managed 26.
Oklahoma City’s seven-point advantage in this quarter extended its lead to 13 points at halftime.
The first-half scoring totals were:
- Oklahoma City: 67 points
- Golden State: 54 points
This 13-point difference became a significant factor in the final result.
The Thunder had established enough separation to withstand a stronger Golden State performance after halftime.
Third Quarter: Warriors Make Their Strongest Push
Golden State produced its best quarter in the third period.
The Warriors scored 29 points, while Oklahoma City managed only 19.
This 10-point swing reduced the Thunder’s advantage considerably.
Golden State’s improved scoring gave the team a genuine opportunity to make the final quarter more competitive.
However, the Warriors still entered the fourth quarter trailing. Their challenge was to continue the offensive improvement while preventing Oklahoma City from returning to its first-half rhythm.
Fourth Quarter: Thunder Protect the Lead
The final period was lower-scoring for both teams.
Golden State scored 14 points, while Oklahoma City added 18.
The Thunder did not produce a dominant offensive quarter, but they scored enough to protect their advantage.
Golden State’s 14 points were especially damaging because the team needed a stronger scoring finish to complete its comeback.
Oklahoma City’s ability to maintain its lead secured the 104-97 victory.
Complete Team Statistics Comparison
The team statistics reveal why the final result did not simply depend on which side collected more rebounds or assists.
Golden State had advantages in several traditional statistical categories. Oklahoma City, however, performed significantly better in shooting efficiency and free-throw conversion.
| Statistical Category | Warriors | Thunder |
| Points | 97 | 104 |
| Field Goals Made | 36 | 33 |
| Field Goals Attempted | 88 | 78 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 41% | 42% |
| Three-Pointers Made | 14 | 15 |
| Three-Pointers Attempted | 45 | 42 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 31% | 36% |
| Free Throws Made | 11 | 23 |
| Free Throws Attempted | 18 | 24 |
| Free-Throw Percentage | 61% | 96% |
| Total Rebounds | 47 | 42 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 15 | 7 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 32 | 35 |
| Assists | 28 | 24 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 14 |
| Steals | 8 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Personal Fouls | 18 | 18 |
The numbers reveal several important differences.
Golden State made more field goals and collected more rebounds. The Warriors also recorded more assists and fewer turnovers.
However, Oklahoma City converted significantly more free throws and shot a higher percentage from three-point range.
The difference in free-throw production was particularly important.
Field Goal Efficiency
Golden State made 36 of 88 field-goal attempts, finishing at approximately 41%.
Oklahoma City made 33 of 78 attempts, finishing at approximately 42%.
The Warriors made three more field goals, but they also attempted 10 additional shots.
This distinction matters because field-goal totals alone do not explain offensive efficiency.
Oklahoma City required fewer attempts to produce a similar number of field goals. That helped the Thunder remain competitive even when Golden State generated more shooting opportunities.
Three-Point Shooting
The three-point statistics favored Oklahoma City.
Golden State converted 14 of 45 attempts, producing a 31% shooting percentage.
The Thunder made 15 of 42 attempts, finishing at 36%.
Oklahoma City made only one additional three-pointer, but its five-percentage-point efficiency advantage was meaningful.
Golden State attempted three more shots from beyond the arc without receiving a corresponding scoring benefit.
The Thunder’s more accurate outside shooting helped compensate for their lower overall field-goal total.
Free-Throw Shooting: The Decisive Difference
Free-throw shooting was arguably the most important statistical difference in the matchup.
Oklahoma City made 23 of 24 attempts, an outstanding 96% conversion rate.
Golden State made only 11 of 18 attempts, finishing at 61%.
That created a difference of 12 made free throws.
In scoring terms:
- Thunder free-throw points: 23
- Warriors free-throw points: 11
- Oklahoma City advantage: 12 points
The final margin was seven points.
This means the Thunder’s 12-point advantage at the free-throw line was larger than the final difference between the teams.
It would be incorrect to say that free throws alone explain every aspect of the result. However, the figures clearly show how important this category was.
Golden State’s inability to convert enough free throws reduced the value of the additional opportunities it created.
Rebounding: Golden State Wins the Battle
Golden State collected 47 total rebounds, compared with Oklahoma City’s 42.
The Warriors also had a substantial advantage in offensive rebounding.
| Rebounding Category | Warriors | Thunder |
| Total Rebounds | 47 | 42 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 15 | 7 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 32 | 35 |
The Warriors collected eight more offensive rebounds than Oklahoma City.
This suggests that Golden State created additional opportunities after its own missed shots.
However, more offensive rebounds do not automatically produce more points. Teams must convert those additional possessions into successful field goals or free throws.
Golden State’s shooting percentages show why the rebounding advantage did not produce a victory.
Assists and Ball Movement
Golden State recorded 28 assists, while Oklahoma City finished with 24.
The four-assist advantage indicates that the Warriors generated more assisted scoring opportunities overall.
However, assists must be considered alongside shooting efficiency.
A team can move the ball effectively and still struggle to convert open opportunities.
Golden State’s 41% field-goal percentage and 31% three-point percentage suggest that its ball movement did not consistently produce efficient finishes.
Turnovers and Possession Management
The turnover comparison favored Golden State.
The Warriors committed 11 turnovers, while the Thunder recorded 14.
This was another category in which Golden State performed better.
Fewer turnovers generally help teams preserve offensive possessions and limit opponents’ transition opportunities.
Yet the Warriors could not convert this advantage into enough points to overcome their shooting and free-throw disadvantages.
The result illustrates why basketball analysis should consider several statistical categories together rather than treating one advantage as decisive.
Why Oklahoma City Thunder Won the Game
Oklahoma City’s victory resulted from several connected factors.
The Thunder were not superior in every statistical category. Instead, they performed better in some of the areas that had the greatest impact on the final score.
1. Excellent Free-Throw Conversion
The most obvious advantage was Oklahoma City’s 96% free-throw shooting.
Converting 23 of 24 attempts helped the Thunder build and protect their lead.
Golden State’s 61% conversion rate left valuable points unclaimed.
In a seven-point game, that difference was especially significant.
2. Strong First-Half Performance
Oklahoma City scored 67 first-half points.
Golden State managed 54.
That 13-point halftime advantage gave the Thunder room to absorb the Warriors’ third-quarter comeback.
Without the strong opening half, the final quarter could have presented a very different situation.
3. Multiple Scoring Contributors
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 27 points, but Isaiah Joe added 18 and Kenrich Williams contributed 13.
This distribution helped prevent the Warriors from relying exclusively on stopping one player.
The Thunder also received nine-point performances from Jaylin Williams, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, and Jared McCain.
4. Better Three-Point Accuracy
Oklahoma City shot 36% from three-point range, compared with Golden State’s 31%.
Although the difference was not enormous, it helped the Thunder produce more points from beyond the arc despite attempting fewer shots.
5. Defensive Rebounding Support
Golden State won the overall rebounding battle, but Oklahoma City collected 35 defensive rebounds.
Jaylin Williams’ 14-rebound performance was particularly important.
The Thunder needed to limit the damage from Golden State’s offensive rebounds, and their defensive rebounding helped prevent the Warriors from turning every missed shot into another scoring opportunity.
Why Golden State Warriors Lost
Golden State had enough positive statistical contributions to remain competitive, but several weaknesses affected the final result.
Poor Free-Throw Conversion
The Warriors made only 11 of 18 free throws.
That 61% rate was a major weakness in a game decided by seven points.
Free throws are among the most controllable scoring opportunities in basketball. Missing seven attempts created a significant disadvantage.
Inconsistent Shooting Efficiency
Golden State attempted 88 field goals but converted only 36.
Its 41% shooting percentage was slightly below Oklahoma City’s 42%.
The three-point percentage was also lower, with the Warriors making 31% of their attempts.
The team generated enough attempts but did not convert them efficiently.
Failure to Complete the Comeback
Golden State’s third-quarter performance was impressive.
The Warriors outscored Oklahoma City 29-19, cutting into the halftime deficit.
However, they could not maintain that scoring momentum in the final period.
Their 14 fourth-quarter points were insufficient to take the lead.
Rebounding Advantages Were Not Fully Converted
Golden State collected 47 rebounds, including 15 offensive boards.
Those numbers indicate that the team created additional opportunities.
However, the Warriors did not turn those opportunities into enough efficient scoring.
This is an important distinction when evaluating team performance. Rebounding creates chances, but successful shooting determines whether those chances become points.
Starting Lineups for Both Teams
The supplied box-score data identifies the following starting players.
Golden State Warriors Starting Lineup
- Draymond Green
- Gui Santos
- Al Horford
- Pat Spencer
- Brandin Podziemski
This lineup featured a combination of experienced players, playmaking ability, and scoring support.
Green and Podziemski contributed significantly in multiple statistical categories, while Santos led the team in points and rebounds.
Oklahoma City Thunder Starting Lineup
- Jaylin Williams
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Isaiah Joe
- Luguentz Dort
- Cason Wallace
Oklahoma City’s starting group featured its leading scorer alongside several players who contributed defensively and offensively.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the scoring, Joe supplied 18 points, and Jaylin Williams controlled the rebounding effort.
The lineup’s overall contribution helped Oklahoma City establish its early advantage.
Season Series: Oklahoma City Sweeps Golden State 4-0
The March 8 victory completed Oklahoma City’s 4-0 regular-season sweep over Golden State.
Winning all four meetings demonstrated the Thunder’s consistency across the season series.
The supplied game information lists the following results:
| Game | Matchup Result | Winner |
| November 12 | Thunder 126, Warriors 102 | Thunder |
| December 3 | Thunder 124, Warriors 112 | Thunder |
| January 3 | Thunder 131, Warriors 94 | Thunder |
| March 8 | Thunder 104, Warriors 97 | Thunder |
Oklahoma City won each matchup by at least seven points.
The most recent game was the closest of the four listed meetings, but the Thunder still managed to protect their home court.
The sweep also highlights an important difference between the teams during this series.
Golden State was capable of producing competitive stretches, but Oklahoma City repeatedly found ways to create separation through scoring efficiency and strong overall execution.
Individual Matchups That Shaped the Result
Looking at the game through individual player comparisons provides another way to understand the outcome.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs Gui Santos
The two players led their respective teams in scoring.
| Statistic | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Gui Santos |
| Points | 27 | 22 |
| Rebounds | 5 | 11 |
| Assists | 5 | 3 |
Gilgeous-Alexander had the scoring advantage with five more points.
Santos, however, recorded six additional rebounds.
Both players contributed beyond scoring, but their statistical roles were different.
Gilgeous-Alexander provided the Thunder with their primary offensive production, while Santos combined scoring with strong rebounding.
Isaiah Joe vs Brandin Podziemski
This comparison highlights the importance of supporting scorers.
| Statistic | Isaiah Joe | Brandin Podziemski |
| Points | 18 | 17 |
| Rebounds | 4 | 6 |
| Assists | 3 | 6 |
Joe scored one more point, while Podziemski recorded two additional rebounds and three more assists.
Both players delivered valuable performances.
Joe’s contribution was more focused on scoring, whereas Podziemski offered a broader statistical contribution.
Jaylin Williams vs Gary Payton II
The rebounding comparison was particularly interesting.
| Statistic | Jaylin Williams | Gary Payton II |
| Points | 9 | 7 |
| Rebounds | 14 | 12 |
| Assists | 4 | 1 |
Jaylin Williams recorded two more points and two additional rebounds.
Both players made important contributions on the boards, even though they played different roles within their teams.
Their performances demonstrate that rebounding production can come from players who are not necessarily leading their teams in scoring.
What the Statistics Reveal About Both Teams
The game provides several useful lessons about basketball performance.
Scoring More Field Goals Does Not Guarantee Victory
Golden State made 36 field goals, while Oklahoma City made 33.
Despite making fewer field goals, the Thunder won by seven points.
This happened because field goals are only one part of the scoring equation.
Three-point accuracy and free-throw conversion also matter.
Oklahoma City made 15 three-pointers and 23 free throws, while Golden State made 14 three-pointers and 11 free throws.
Rebounding Advantages Need Efficient Finishing
Golden State won the rebounding battle by five.
Its 15 offensive rebounds were particularly impressive.
However, those additional possessions did not produce enough points to overcome the Thunder’s scoring efficiency.
This is why analysts should consider offensive rebounds together with field-goal percentage and points scored.
Bench Production Can Influence Close Games
Kenrich Williams scored 13 points for Oklahoma City.
Aaron Wiggins and Jared McCain added nine points apiece.
Golden State also received contributions from Porzingis and Payton II.
These performances helped both teams maintain scoring options beyond their leading players.
Oklahoma City’s bench scoring, particularly Kenrich Williams’ contribution, provided important support.
Game Management Matters in the Fourth Quarter
The Warriors entered the final period having reduced Oklahoma City’s advantage.
However, they managed only 14 points in the fourth quarter.
Oklahoma City scored 18.
The Thunder did not need a huge offensive performance. They simply needed to maintain enough production to prevent the comeback from being completed.
How to Read Basketball Player Statistics Correctly
Understanding a box score requires more than identifying the highest scorer.
Different statistics explain different parts of a player’s contribution.
Points
Points measure a player’s direct scoring output.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 27 points made him the leading scorer in this game.
However, points should be considered alongside shooting efficiency.
Rebounds
Rebounds measure how often players recover the ball after missed shots.
There are two main categories:
- Offensive rebounds give a team another opportunity to score after missing a shot.
- Defensive rebounds help a team end the opponent’s possession.
Jaylin Williams’ 14 rebounds demonstrated his importance to Oklahoma City’s work on the boards.
Assists
Assists are credited when a pass directly leads to a made field goal.
Golden State recorded 28 team assists, compared with Oklahoma City’s 24.
A high assist total can indicate effective ball movement, but it does not automatically mean the team shot efficiently.
Steals
A steal occurs when a defensive player legally takes possession of the ball from an opponent.
Golden State recorded eight steals, while Oklahoma City had seven.
Steals can create transition opportunities and disrupt offensive possessions.
Blocks
Blocks occur when a defender legally deflects an opponent’s shot attempt.
The Warriors recorded three blocks, compared with one for the Thunder.
Although blocks can change the outcome of individual possessions, their value should be considered alongside overall defensive performance.
Turnovers
Turnovers represent possessions lost without a successful field-goal attempt or other completed scoring action.
Golden State committed 11 turnovers, while Oklahoma City committed 14.
The Warriors had an advantage in this category.
Plus/Minus
Plus/minus measures the difference between a team’s points scored and points allowed while a particular player is on the court.
For example, a positive plus/minus indicates that the player’s team outscored its opponent during those minutes.
A negative figure indicates that the opponent scored more during that period.
Plus/minus should not be treated as a complete measure of individual ability because it is influenced by teammates, opponents, lineup combinations, and game circumstances.
The supplied statistics do not include individual plus/minus values, so no player-specific figures are estimated here.
Important Data and Statistical Context
The supplied game information contains a note about inconsistencies in some season-record and standings details.
For that reason, this article prioritizes the provided final score, individual player statistics, team statistics, quarter scoring, and season-series results.
The listed team records are:
- Golden State Warriors: 32-31
- Golden State away record: 13-18
- Oklahoma City Thunder: 50-15
- Oklahoma City home record: 26-7
These records are reproduced as supplied and should not be treated as independently verified standings information.
The box-score information identifies the following players as inactive or not recording an appearance.
Golden State Warriors:
- Quinten Post
- De’Anthony Melton
- Moses Moody
- Will Richard
Oklahoma City Thunder:
- Payton Sandfort
- Alex Caruso
- Nikola Topic
The supplied data does not provide detailed explanations for these players’ absences. Therefore, no injury or coaching-related reason should be assumed.
For readers who want to verify the recorded result and box-score details, the official game information is available through the ESPN NBA box score.
FAQs About Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors
1. Who won the Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors game on March 8, 2026?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Golden State Warriors 104-97 on March 8, 2026, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
2. Who was the leading scorer in the game?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the leading scorer with 27 points for Oklahoma City. Gui Santos led Golden State with 22 points.
3. How many rebounds did Gui Santos record?
Gui Santos recorded 11 rebounds along with 22 points and three assists. His performance included a double-double.
4. How many points did the Thunder score from free throws?
Oklahoma City scored 23 points from free throws, converting 23 of 24 attempts for a 96% success rate.
5. How many rebounds did each team collect?
Golden State collected 47 total rebounds, while Oklahoma City recorded 42. The Warriors also had an advantage in offensive rebounds, collecting 15 compared with the Thunder’s seven.
6. Did Oklahoma City sweep Golden State in the regular-season series?
Yes. According to the supplied game data, Oklahoma City won all four regular-season meetings against Golden State, completing a 4-0 season-series sweep.
Conclusion
The March 8, 2026, matchup between Oklahoma City and Golden State demonstrated how shooting efficiency and scoring discipline can determine the outcome of a competitive NBA game.
Oklahoma City secured a 104-97 victory despite collecting fewer rebounds, recording fewer assists, and committing more turnovers. Its success came from a strong first half, better three-point accuracy, and outstanding free-throw conversion.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 27 points, while Isaiah Joe contributed 18 and Kenrich Williams added 13. Jaylin Williams also played an important role with 14 rebounds.
For Golden State, Gui Santos delivered an excellent double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Brandin Podziemski recorded 17 points and six assists, while Draymond Green contributed 16 points and five assists.
The Warriors performed well in several statistical categories, particularly rebounding and assists. However, their 61% free-throw shooting and 31% three-point accuracy limited their ability to complete the comeback.
The most important statistical difference was at the free-throw line, where Oklahoma City scored 23 points compared with Golden State’s 11. Combined with its early scoring advantage, that efficiency helped the Thunder protect their lead.
The victory also completed Oklahoma City’s 4-0 regular-season sweep of Golden State, making the result another important chapter in their 2025-26 season series.
