The Oklahoma City Thunder has, for the most part, had very little to celebrate about their season thus far despite their young nucleus of a team.  Fortunately for them, their game on Wednesday was against an opponent who isn’t faring much better than them – the Golden State Warriors.  In what was arguably the best game of the NBA docket – how often do you hear Oklahoma City, Golden State and best game of the night in the same sentence? – Jeff Green hit a 16-footer at the buzzer, enabling Oklahoma City to edge Golden State 122-121 at Oracle Arena.

Oklahoma City had perhaps their best scoring first half as they outscored Golden State 37-34 and 35-34 as they took a 72-68 lead into halftime; however, that breakneck pace caught with them.  Russell Westbrook would be the key for the Thunder as he had 20 first-half points. 

The Warriors would take advantage of the Thunder’s lack of energy as they went on an 11-2 run to erase a 5-point deficit then would close out the quarter with a 7-1 spurt – capped by Anthony Morrow’s 3-pointer at the buzzer – which gave Golden State a 95-87 lead going into the final quarter.

Oklahoma City would recover to take a 116-111 late in the fourth period before C.J. Watson led a Golden State rally in the final 3 minutes; he would score 7 points to spark an 8-2 run that gave the Warriors a 119-118 lead with just over a minute to go. 

Westbrook then connected on a jumper with 41 seconds remaining to put the Thunder back on top; both teams traded missed shots and turnovers before Jamal Crawford made a 12-footer to give Golden State a 121-120 lead; that would set the stage for the game-winning buzzer-beater by Green, sealing the game for Oklahoma City.

Westbrook led all Oklahoma City scorers with 30 points (including 3 three-pointers), 4 rebounds, 7 assists and a steal while Kevin Durant added 27 with 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals; Green pitched in, scoring 26 (including 3 treys) with 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

Golden State was led by Stephen Jackson with 29 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists and a steal but committed 5 turnovers while Corey Maggette added 26 with 6 rebounds, an assist and a steal; Kelenna Azubuike chipped in 21 with  3 rebounds, 2 assists,  steal and a blocked shot.  Oklahoma City (9-34) plays again on Friday when they fly south to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers while Golden State (13-30) remain home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers – also on Friday.