Golden State avoided its first double-digit losing streak since March 2002 by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-102 at the Ford Center. The Warriors played without starting swingmen Stephen Jackson (sprained left hand) and Corey Maggette (strained right hamstring), and rookie forward Anthony Randolph (sprained left hand).

Fortunately for the Warriors, their offense didn't seem to miss their two leading scorers. Even more important, they were up against a team that was a bit more giving on defense, even more streaky on offense, and at least as inexperienced.

The Warriors (6-15) did what they could to keep the Thunder (2-20) in the game, and it almost cost them. In the fourth quarter, the Warriors missed five layups, turned the ball over seven times and al-lowed Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant to get hot (he scored 19 of his 41 points in the final quarter).

That wasn't enough to keep the Warriors from victory, though.

"We didn't win the world championship, but it sure felt like it," Warriors coach Don Nelson said. "I thought we did the best we could, but we still missed so many easy shots and had too many turnovers. ... We just needed something to break the spell."

The absences of Jackson and Maggette weren't that significant a blow to the Warriors offense because, in addition to the Thunder's defense, Golden State played unselfish Basketball.

One of the biggest gripes in the locker room, from the players and coaches, has been the Warriors' selfish style of play. Sunday's practice in San Antonio focused on ball movement and emphasized making four or five passes before a shot, driving and dishing, working to get others open.

The Warriors had just 17 assists Monday, which is below their usual goal of 20, but the results were undeniable. They had seven players scoring in double figures. Big man Ronny Turiaf was a point from making it eight.

Nelson said center Andris Biedrins won the game with his passing. The Warriors put the ball in Biedrins' hands down the stretch, and his willingness to pass the ball set the tone for the unselfishness.

It was Biedrins who kicked the ball out to open guard Anthony Morrow, who knocked down a 3-pointer from the top of the key that put the Warriors up 102-92 with 2:07 left. It was a fast break with two timely passes that led to two free throws by swingman Kelenna Azubuike, giving the Warriors a 104-95 lead with 51.9 seconds left.

"I want to pass," said Biedrins, who finished with 17 points, 21 rebounds, six turnovers and five assists (which tied a career high). "I'm willing to pass. It was really fun."

While the ball movement improved, problem areas still surfaced. The Warriors even had another inbounds fiasco, the fifth game with such a blunder this season, when Biedrins air-mailed a pass intended for point guard C.J. Watson, giving the ball back to Oklahoma City with 42.2 seconds remaining, setting up a 3-pointer by Durant to cut the Warriors' once 21-point lead to 107-102.

On the road against most teams, the Warriors would likely have lost had they given up 17 offensive rebounds, turned the ball over 23 times and had a player go off for 41. But this was against the Thunder. So instead of their 10th straight loss, the Warriors got their first win since Nov. 18.

For that, the gift basket and thank you card should be on their way.

"If you learn a lesson in a win, you're OK," point guard Jamal Crawford said after totaling 19 points, six assists and five turnovers. "You don't want to learn a lesson and lose that game."

Contact Marcus Thompson II at mthomps2@bayareanewsgroup.com.Warriors 112,Thunder 102NEXT GAME: Wednesday, vs. Bucks, 7:30 p.m.