Kristaps Porzingis’ Comeback Not Enough as Warriors Lose 104-97

The Golden State Warriors suffered a 104-97 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder despite the return of center Kristaps Porzingis, who had missed several games due to illness. The game marked an important moment for the Warriors as Porzingis finally returned to the lineup, but the short-handed team struggled to secure the win on the road.

Porzingis’ return brought optimism to the Warriors, but Oklahoma City’s strong late-game performance helped the Thunder seal the victory.

Porzingis Returns After Six-Game Absence

Kristaps Porzingis had been sidelined with illness for six consecutive games before making his return against the Thunder. In his comeback performance, the Warriors big man played 23 minutes and finished with nine points, five rebounds, five assists, and one block.

Although the performance was not dominant statistically, the biggest positive for Golden State was simply having Porzingis back on the court. The veteran center said he feels confident about his health moving forward and believes his body is gradually returning to normal.

The Warriors are hopeful that with more games, Porzingis will regain his rhythm and become a key contributor in the team’s offense and defense.

Warriors Play Short-Handed

Golden State entered the matchup severely undermanned. Several key players were unavailable, including Stephen Curry, which significantly impacted the team’s offensive production.

Despite the roster challenges, the Warriors remained competitive for much of the game. Players like Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, and Gui Santos stepped up to keep the team within reach.

Gui Santos delivered one of the most impressive performances of his career, recording 22 points and 11 rebounds, giving the Warriors a strong boost during the contest.

Thunder Take Control Late

While the Warriors battled throughout the game, the Oklahoma City Thunder took control during the final stretch.

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 27 points, including clutch plays late in the game that helped Oklahoma City secure the win.

Golden State struggled with execution in the closing minutes and also missed several crucial free throws, which ultimately proved costly.

Porzingis’ Health Remains a Key Story

Porzingis’ recent absence raised concerns around the Warriors organization. The center has dealt with ongoing health challenges, including a diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that can cause dizziness, fatigue, and rapid heart rate.

Despite these challenges, Porzingis expressed optimism that his health is improving and that he will be able to contribute more consistently in the coming games.

What This Means for the Warriors

The loss dropped Golden State to 32-31 on the season, leaving the team in a tight playoff race.

However, the return of Kristaps Porzingis could become a turning point for the Warriors if he remains healthy and continues to build chemistry with the team.

Head coach Steve Kerr and the Warriors’ medical staff are expected to carefully manage Porzingis’ minutes as he continues his recovery.

Conclusion

Although the Warriors fell short against the Thunder, Kristaps Porzingis’ return was one of the biggest positives of the night. His presence adds size, scoring ability, and playmaking to Golden State’s lineup.

If Porzingis can stay healthy and the Warriors regain their full roster, the team could still make a strong push in the remainder of the NBA season.

READ MORE : Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Scores 27 as Thunder Beat Warriors 104-97 for Fifth Straight Win

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Oklahoma City Thunder with 27 points in a 104-97 victory over the Golden State Warriors, extending OKC’s winning streak to five games in the 2026 NBA season.

Oklahoma City Thunder Defeat Golden State Warriors 104-97

The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their impressive run in the 2025-26 NBA season with a 104-97 victory over the Golden State Warriors on March 7, 2026, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Led by a strong performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 27 points, the Thunder secured their fifth consecutive win and strengthened their position near the top of the Western Conference standings.