In a closely contested matchup on Sunday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 104-97 victory over the Golden State Warriors, despite Golden State erasing a 14-point deficit during the game. The Thunder never trailed after regaining the lead and maintained control throughout the fourth quarter, with Gilgeous-Alexander’s late three-pointer sealing the win. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the All-Star guard’s skillful approach to drawing fouls, sparking conversation around the league’s officiating standards.
Steve Kerr Comments on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Foul Drawing Skills
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished the game with 27 points, shooting 6-for-15 from the field and an impressive 14-of-15 from the free-throw line. Kerr’s remarks during the postgame press conference focused heavily on Gilgeous-Alexander’s method of provoking contact, a subject that has generated debate among NBA observers. Kerr highlighted that the techniques used by Gilgeous-Alexander are within the current rules but expressed frustration toward the rulebook itself rather than the player.
Well, he’s incredibly clever, and he knows exactly how to draw contact, and it’s all within the rules,
Kerr said.
I don’t have a problem with Shai; I have a problem with the rules. As a league, too much off-arm — we hardly allow the defense to do anything guarding the ball.
Kerr elaborated on how the rules make defensive play difficult, noting the allowance of offensive players using their off-arm to create separation. He explained that defenders cannot use their arms effectively without risking fouls, which leads players like Gilgeous-Alexander and James Harden to exploit these boundaries.
So, 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.
Rather than faulting Shai for drawing fouls, Kerr urged the league to reconsider its regulations.
More power to all the individual players, but as a league, we need to adapt and adjust,
Kerr added.
The players, year after year, just take advantage of the rules, and they’re smart; they know what they’re doing.
Game Highlights and Player Performances
Kristaps Porzingis made only his second appearance with Golden State since his trade from the Atlanta Hawks, contributing to the team’s efforts, though the spotlight remained on Gilgeous-Alexander. The veteran center’s return was notable but did not sway the game’s outcome. For the Warriors, Gui Santos delivered a double-double performance with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Brandin Podziemski contributed 17 points alongside six assists and six rebounds, while Draymond Green added 16 points, five assists, and two steals.
Mike Dunleavy Speaks on Kristaps Porzingis’ Role with the Warriors
Golden State Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy addressed Porzingis’ future amid his injury struggles over the past two seasons. Despite doubts from some quarters labeling Porzingis as a temporary addition, Dunleavy firmly stated that the team views the seven-footer as a crucial long-term asset.
We see him as more than a rental,
Dunleavy commented.
We feel he can help our team this year, better our playoff position, and then moving forward fits what we are looking for.
The Warriors plan to finish their current three-game road trip with a matchup against the Utah Jazz on Monday.
A Lighthearted Moment off the Court
In a more playful exchange, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander expressed amusement over Jalen Williams’ outfit, sharing a joking remark during media interaction. This snapshot offered a brief respite from the intense competitive atmosphere present during the game.
My wife has one of those.
— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
"My wife has one of those."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was not a fan of Jalen Williams' outfit 😂
(via @SportsCenter)
pic.twitter.com/vvUAweL5x0— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 8, 2026
