In a hard-fought Thursday night contest, the San Antonio Spurs outscored the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-102, thanks to a 29-point outing from De’Aaron Fox. The win marked the Spurs’ third triumph over the defending NBA champions in just two weeks, underscoring their growing dominance in the Western Conference.
Game Recap
From the opening tip-off, the Spurs applied relentless pressure. Fox fired 21 points in the first half, propelling San Antonio to a 69-60 lead at halftime. The Thunder, who had begun the season 24-1, managed to take an early advantage by converting their first seven field goals and holding a 18-12 edge before the break. However, the Spurs’ offensive rhythm returned in the third quarter, pushing the score to 85-68 midway through the period. A late-third-quarter dunk by Dylan Harper sealed a 91-74 advantage, and the Spurs never relinquished control, closing the third quarter 95-79.
Key Player Performances
- De’Aaron Fox – 29 points, 21 in the first half, and a steady presence on both ends of the floor.
- Victor Wembanyama – 19 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the Spurs’ frontcourt.
- Stephon Castle – 19 points and 7 assists, providing a steady scoring and play-making outlet.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 22 points for Oklahoma City, but only 7 of 19 from the field.
- Isaiah Hartenstein – 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Thunder.
- Chet Holmgren – 10 points and 12 rebounds, matching Hartenstein’s double-double.
The Spurs shot an efficient 53.6% from the field, while the Thunder struggled to 38.9%, a disparity that was evident in the final score.
Streaks and Standings
San Antonio’s victory extended their winning streak to eight straight games, the longest in the league at that time. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, suffered their second home loss of the season. Despite the setback, the Thunder remain at the top of the Western Conference, with the Spurs in second place. The Spurs’ record now stands at 23-7.
The Thunder’s season trajectory has been a tale of two halves. After a 24-1 start that tied them for the best record through 25 games, they have gone 2-4 in the remaining matches, including all three losses to the Spurs.
Season Context
This win is the third time the Spurs have defeated the Thunder in the past two weeks, following victories in the NBA Cup semifinal on December 13 and in San Antonio on Tuesday. The teams are scheduled to meet again on January 13 in Oklahoma City, adding another chapter to this budding rivalry.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 22 points came on just 7 of 19 shooting, a stark contrast to his usual performance. Notably, he has scored at least 20 points in 102 consecutive games, a streak that continues despite the inefficiency.
Upcoming Games
- Spurs will host the Utah Jazz on Saturday, aiming to keep their momentum going.
- Thunder will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, looking to rebound from this loss.
Key Takeaways
- De’Aaron Fox’s 29 points were pivotal in a 117-102 Spurs win over the defending champions.
- The Spurs’ eighth straight victory and 53.6% shooting underscore their current form.
- Oklahoma City’s 2-4 record since a 24-1 start highlights a sharp decline, despite a 102-game streak of 20-point performances by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Spurs’ continued success against the Thunder signals a shift in the Western Conference balance, while the Thunder must address their shooting woes to regain their early-season dominance. The upcoming matchups against Utah and Philadelphia will be critical tests for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.
