The San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to seven games, crushing the Oklahoma City Thunder 130-110 on Tuesday night and cementing the longest active streak in the NBA.
Spurs’ Seven-Game Run
The victory marked the Spurs’ seventh straight win, the league’s longest active streak. It was the Thunder’s second loss to San Antonio in 11 days and their worst defeat of the season.
Game Highlights
Keldon Johnson led the team with 25 points, Stephon Castle added 24, and Harrison Barnes contributed 20. The Spurs outscored Oklahoma City 43-28 in the fourth quarter, turning a tense game with 15 lead changes and 13 ties into a blowout. The win pulled San Antonio within 3½ games of the Thunder atop the West.
Coaching Perspectives
San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson said, “I don’t view it as a budding rivalry.” He added that the Spurs have been together only 25-odd games and that the Thunder won 16 games in the playoffs last season to win a championship. Johnson emphasized respect for Oklahoma City’s program and the Spurs’ own pursuit of every team in the league.
Mark Daigneault, Thunder coach, commented on the game: “He’s a really, really good player, but he’s not their whole team at all,” referring to Victor Wembanyama. Daigneault praised Oklahoma City’s balance, sharpness, sense of purpose, and execution.
Player Contributions and Health
Victor Wembanyama was listed as questionable on Monday after a strained left calf that kept him out for 12 games. He was cleared to play a half hour before tipoff and came off the bench for the sixth straight time since returning. Wembanyama said, “I think it would have been a great game to watch.” He added, “It tells me how much better we are from the beginning of the season.”
Keldon Johnson noted, “We get it done by committee.” He explained that seven different players have led the team in scoring during the current streak, each night a different contributor, but everyone understands the team aspect.
Historical Context
The Spurs tied an NBA record with 22 consecutive postseason appearances beginning in 1998, the season before capturing their first of five championships. The franchise has missed the playoffs in six straight seasons. Last season the Spurs finished 34-48 after consecutive 22-60 seasons, one loss shy of the franchise’s worst record of 21-61 set in 1989. They rallied this year, starting with a franchise record 5-0.
Fan Engagement and New Traditions
Wembanyama, who grew up watching Paris Saint-Germain face Marseille, dismissed any talk of a rivalry with the reigning champions. He created a super fan group called the San Antonio Jackals. After the game, he introduced a new tradition: the Spurs gave him a microphone and a large bass drum. He asked fans to stand, stretch their arms, and clap once after each drum thump, creating a growing rhythm that culminated in wild applause.
Harrison Barnes commented on the moment: “That was phenomenal.” He continued, “I heard about it on the fly. That was great. He may have a career in marketing. The way he got that stadium going, that was great.”
Key Takeaways
- The Spurs extended their winning streak to seven games, the longest active streak in the NBA.
- Victor Wembanyama returned from a calf injury, contributing to a 130-110 victory over Oklahoma City.
- The Spurs’ success is built on a committee approach, with seven different scorers leading the team during the streak.
The Spurs’ performance signals a significant turnaround from last season’s struggles, and the team’s continued success keeps them firmly in the conversation for Western Conference contention.
