What we learned about the Warriors’ comeback falters in loss to Thunder originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

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SAN FRANCISCO – Jonathan Kuminga looked rejuvenated as he returned to the Warriors’ starting lineup with 19 points and Pat Spencer gave Golden State a lead off the bench – but it wasn’t enough as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat Golden State 105-101 On Wednesday there will be a showdown between the two top teams in the Western Conference at Chase Center.

It was the first time the Warriors have lost in four games without Stephen Curry this season. The two-time NBA MVP is resting his sore knees, although coach Steve Kerr said he expects Curry to be ready for Golden State’s upcoming road trip, which begins Saturday against the Phoenix Suns.

The Warriors definitely need their star back after losing their third straight game and falling to 12-6.

Buddy Hield scored 17 points and moved up another notch on the NBA’s career 3-point list. Andrew Wiggins had 16 points and five rebounds and Draymond Green added 10 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.

Spencer came off the bench to score the point, posting six points, four rebounds and three assists.

Oklahoma City led by 19 but had to fend off a late lead from Golden State in the fourth quarter as the two teams repeatedly swapped leads.

The Warriors took a 96-93 lead with 5:45 left, but couldn’t keep the momentum going. Golden State fell behind by four points late, then cut the lead to 102-101 on a Wiggins 3-pointer with 11 seconds left.

Here are the takeaways from Wednesday’s game:

Step in for Steph

Brandin Podziemski had the first attempt to fill in for Curry, but it was Pat Spencer, a two-way player, who seemed to have the biggest impact in scoring the point.

Spencer, who only played in three games and played just over four minutes, immediately caused a stir with drives to the basket and kick-out passes to open throwers. Spencer had a nice all-round push within 15 minutes and was even technically fouled for arguing with the officials after a non-receipt.

Podziemski showed his typical game and made a great attack to score the attack in the first half

Kuminga is back with a vengeance

In his first start since Oct. 27, Kuminga got off to a slow start, missing all four shots he attempted in the first quarter before getting hot and leaving the court in the second quarter.

Kuminga made two three-pointers before halftime, but fired up the Chase Center crowd with his trademark powerful and emphatic attacks down the lane. He also did some real damage to the Thunder when he dunked over OKC forward Jalen Williams and sent Williams crashing to the ground. Williams did not play in the second half.

Before the game, Kerr said he preferred to keep Kuminga on the bench to give the second unit a reliable scorer, but the way he played on Wednesday, the coach might have to reconsider that.

It continues upwards

Hield has done a good job filling the perimeter shooting void left when Klay Thompson moved to Dallas via NBA free agency, and the 31-year-old’s jumper was in top form against the Thunder.

Hield scored a trio of three-pointers in the first half to gain sole possession at the 18^Th Place on NBA career list. Hield, tied with Dirk Nowitzki, finished with five three-pointers and needed one more to equal Jason Kidd (1,988) for 17 points^Th Location.

Hield sank 148 or more three-pointers in each of his first eight NBA seasons and is on pace to surpass that mark again.

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