The matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors has become one of the most intriguing and dynamic rivalries in the NBA over the past decade. Though the two teams hail from different parts of the United States — Oklahoma City in the Midwest and Golden State in California — their meeting on the basketball court has often felt like a collision of contrasting philosophies, player talent, and styles of play. Whether it’s the Thunder’s rise to prominence with a homegrown roster or the Warriors' revolution of the game with their "small ball" and three-point shooting revolution, these two teams have often shared a stage where high stakes and intense drama are the order of the day.
In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the Thunder vs Warriors rivalry, exploring key moments, players, and dynamics that have defined the matchups and shaped the narrative of these two teams in recent years.
The Foundations: A Tale of Two Teams
Oklahoma City Thunder: A Young Team on the Rise
The Oklahoma City Thunder, founded in 2008 when the Seattle SuperSonics relocated, quickly became a team to watch in the NBA. With the trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, the Thunder built one of the most talented young cores in NBA history. Although Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2012, the remaining duo of Durant and Westbrook powered the Thunder to perennial playoff appearances.
OKC made a massive splash in the 2010-2011 season, reaching the Western Conference Finals but ultimately falling to the Dallas Mavericks. However, the following year, they were able to break through, advancing to the NBA Finals before losing to the Miami Heat, led by LeBron James.
Their most significant encounter with the Warriors came in the 2016 Western Conference Finals, where the Thunder had a 3-1 series lead. This would mark one of the most memorable and heartbreaking moments in recent NBA history, as the Warriors mounted one of the greatest comebacks in playoff history, winning the next three games to advance to the NBA Finals. This series marked the end of the Thunder's rise to prominence in the West, as Durant would famously leave Oklahoma City and sign with the Warriors later that summer.
Golden State Warriors: A Dynasty Built on Shooting and Spacing
The Golden State Warriors, while a storied franchise, had not seen the same level of sustained success as the Thunder during the 2000s. However, the 2010s saw the Warriors undergo a transformation into one of the most dominant teams in NBA history, thanks in large part to Stephen Curry and his revolutionary three-point shooting ability.
The 2014-2015 season marked the beginning of the Warriors’ dynasty, as they won the NBA Championship under head coach Steve Kerr. The addition of Klay Thompson and the rise of Draymond Green to elite status gave the Warriors an incredible defensive backbone to complement their offensive prowess. Their 2015-2016 regular season — in which they won an NBA-record 73 games — set the stage for the team to challenge for an even more dominant legacy. This culminated in them securing the 2015, 2017, and 2018 championships.
While the Warriors were building their dynasty, the Thunder were seen as one of their biggest threats in the West. The combination of the Warriors' rapid rise and the Thunder’s own ascension created a natural rivalry between the two teams. This rivalry came to a head in the 2016 Western Conference Finals, where the Warriors made their famous comeback, eliminating the Thunder and, in turn, cementing their path to a title.
The 2016 Western Conference Finals: The Heart of the Rivalry
One of the defining moments in the Thunder-Warriors rivalry took place during the 2016 Western Conference Finals, a series that was full of twists, turns, and historic moments.
The series began with the Warriors facing an unexpected challenge. The Thunder, led by Durant and Westbrook, came out with intensity, jumping out to a commanding 3-1 series lead. At this point, the Warriors were facing the prospect of elimination, and many believed that the Thunder, with their athleticism and star power, would advance to the NBA Finals.
However, what followed was one of the most memorable comebacks in NBA history. The Warriors, led by Curry and Thompson, found their rhythm, with Curry’s shooting and Draymond Green’s defense playing a crucial role in the next three games. The Warriors won three straight to complete a stunning 4-3 series victory.
The most memorable moment of this series was Draymond Green’s Game 7 performance, in which he put up a near triple-double and played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ defense. This series highlighted the Warriors' resilience and ability to thrive under pressure, but it also marked a tipping point for the Thunder. Durant, whose future with the team was in question, ultimately made the controversial decision to leave Oklahoma City and sign with the Warriors in the offseason.
Durant’s Departure and the Formation of the Superteam
Durant’s decision to join the Warriors in 2016 sparked a wave of controversy and resentment, especially among Thunder fans who felt betrayed by the departure of their franchise player. The move created an even larger divide between the two teams, with the Warriors now considered a “superteam” that boasted an already strong core and added one of the league’s best players to their ranks.
Durant’s arrival in Golden State made the Warriors even more dominant, leading to championships in 2017 and 2018. For the Thunder, Durant’s departure left a massive void, but Westbrook emerged as the unquestioned leader of the team. Despite trading away pieces like Serge Ibaka, OKC remained a competitive playoff team, but the Warriors' new superteam was now the standard to beat in the West.
2017 and 2018: Warriors Dominate, Thunder Still Threaten
The Warriors' dynasty flourished with Durant, but the Thunder still posed a challenge, particularly in the regular season. In 2017 and 2018, the two teams faced off multiple times, with the Warriors usually coming out on top. However, each matchup had its share of intense moments — whether it was Westbrook’s fiery attitude or Curry and Durant’s sharpshooting.
Despite the Warriors’ dominance in these years, the Thunder showed they still had the potential to make things difficult. They often matched up well in terms of physicality, with Westbrook and new acquisitions like Paul George and Carmelo Anthony providing the Thunder with star power. However, the depth, shooting, and experience of the Warriors generally proved too much, as they eliminated the Thunder in the playoffs in 2017 (in the first round) and 2018 (in the semifinals).
The 2020s: A Changing of the Guard
After Durant's departure in 2019 to the Brooklyn Nets and the Warriors' subsequent struggles with injuries to both Curry and Thompson, the balance of power in the Western Conference began to shift. The Thunder, meanwhile, entered a new era under head coach Mark Daigneault, embracing a full rebuild while accumulating young talent through the draft.
The rivalry between the Warriors and Thunder took a backseat as both teams navigated transitions. While the Warriors have made a resurgence thanks to Curry's continued brilliance and the return of Thompson, Oklahoma City’s focus has been on developing the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and other young players. Despite this, the two teams' matchups still hold intrigue, as the Thunder continue to build a team capable of challenging the league’s top contenders, including the Warriors.
Key Players and Legacy
- Stephen Curry: A two-time MVP and three-time NBA champion, Curry is the face of the Warriors’ dynasty. His impact on the game — particularly in revolutionizing the three-point shot — has been felt league-wide.
- Kevin Durant: Durant’s departure from Oklahoma City was a defining moment in this rivalry. His decision to join the Warriors changed the course of the NBA and gave the Warriors an even more unstoppable roster.
- Russell Westbrook: One of the most electrifying and dynamic players of his generation, Westbrook's style of play and relentless attitude were the heart and soul of the Thunder during their most successful years.
- Draymond Green: Green’s defense, leadership, and intensity made him a crucial part of the Warriors’ success during their championship runs.
- Klay Thompson: Thompson, one of the best shooters in NBA history, formed one half of the Warriors’ “Splash Brothers” duo alongside Curry.
Conclusion
The Thunder vs Warriors rivalry has evolved from a competition between two rising Western Conference powers to a more one-sided affair dominated by the Warriors' dynasty. However, the history of their encounters — especially in 2016 — remains a crucial chapter in the NBA’s modern era, filled with drama, controversy, and unforgettable performances. As both teams continue to evolve, the rivalry may take on new dimensions, with the Thunder building for the future and the Warriors aiming to extend their championship window. The games between these two franchises, no matter the stakes, will continue to be a key feature of the NBA landscape for years to come.
