Did Thunder Curse Warriors?

However, since such a hot start, they've fallen to 23-23, which is good enough for the 11th seed in the Western Conference. While not a direct correlation, the Warriors' struggles began once they beat the Thunder on Nov. 10.

Golden State accumulated a 15-21 record since they outlasted the Thunder 127-116. 

Although Warriors fans can use their lone victory vs. the Thunder as fuel for faith, the harsh truth is their team can't outlast their young opponent without one of their better young players and a veteran elite defensive presence.

Warriors Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga won't play against the Thunder because of their respective injuries. When Green doesn't play, the Warriors muster a 5-7 record, whereas they hold a 5-9 record without Kuminga for the 2024-25 season.

Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is doing to the NBA similar to what Curry did in his prime, tearing through the league with little resistance. As Curry plays through his twilight years, he seldom produces 3-point barrages as he did in his MVP form. 

Despite having the reputation and, at times, the performances of a superstar, even Curry can't save the Warriors from the Thunder, unlike in years past. 

Ultimately, it will take close to a pristine team performance from the Warriors to beat the best team in the NBA.