The Golden State Warriors fought back from a 14-point hole on Saturday night, but the comeback fell short. Steve Kerr’s group managed to erase the deficit against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but they never actually grabbed the lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder had an answer every time the Warriors got close.
Oklahoma City stayed in control through the final frame and closed out a 104-97 victory. Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 27 points, though his shooting line did not jump off the page at 6-for-15 from the field. The real story was his work at the free-throw line, where he knocked down 14-of-15 attempts.
Steve Kerr raises NBA rule concern after SGA showing
That production drew some attention from Kerr during his postgame media session, and the Warriors coach didn’t hold back when discussing how the league’s rules favor offensive players.
Kerr acknowledged that Gilgeous-Alexander knows how to create contact and get to the line, but he pointed out that the current rulebook does not give defenders many options when trying to slow down elite guards.
“Well, he’s incredibly clever, and he knows exactly how to draw contact, and it’s all within the rules,” Kerr said.
“If you allow the offensive player to push off with the off-arm to create space, it makes it really tough defensively because you can’t put your arm in. If you put your arm in, everybody around the league will do what Shai does, what James Harden does. They’ll hook your arm, and it’s all a part of the rules.”