Thunder’s 24‑2 Streak Ends in a 111‑109 Loss to the Spurs, Snapping the Reigning Champions’ 16‑Game Run

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 24‑2 season record was halted in a tight 111‑109 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs, ending the reigning champions’ 16‑game winning streak and keeping the NBA Cup out of reach in the playoffs.

A Season‑Long Streak

The Thunder have tied the second‑best 26‑game start in NBA history, matching the 2008‑09 Boston Celtics, 1969‑70 New York Knicks, and 1966‑67 Philadelphia 76ers. Their 24‑2 record is the best start since the Golden State Warriors’ 25‑1 run in 2015‑16. Both of Oklahoma City’s losses have come by a margin of two points, underscoring how close the team has been to a perfect season.

The Narrow Defeat

In the tournament semifinal, the Thunder fell 111‑109 to the Spurs. The game featured a season‑low 41% shooting from Oklahoma City, only 9 of 37 from beyond the arc—a third‑worst effort from deep this season. Turnovers were a key factor; the Spurs converted 15 of the Thunder’s mistakes into 26 points. The loss was especially painful because it came on a night when Victor Wembanyama returned for San Antonio, giving the Spurs a significant boost.

Coaching Perspective

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault reflected on the game: “It wasn’t our sharpest night,” he said. “They’re a good team. Credit them. They played great. There’s a lot of controllable stuff from that game that wasn’t where we’d like to be.” Daigneault emphasized that the loss was not a cause for alarm, noting the team’s historic start and the narrow margins of defeat.

Player Reflections

Thunder guard Jalen Williams offered a candid view: “I think an average team would probably be like, ‘Oh, it’s the Cup, whatever, we lost one,’” he said. “What are we, 24‑2? I mean, we can go home and just hang our hat on that, or we can look at it as a way to get better and understand that we played against a playoff team that beat us.”

Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander described the loss as “odd” but also “exciting.” He said, “It’s easier to learn when you don’t feel the way you want to feel. It stings a little bit more. We’ll also see these guys a few more times in the next couple games, so it’ll be a good challenge. It’s like an automatic test almost in school; you fail the test, you get to re-test a couple days later. That’s what it’ll probably feel like. Losing is where you find growth.”

Gilgeous‑Alexander also highlighted the value of high‑stakes matchups: “Playing in bigger‑moment games, games with a little bit more on the line, they definitely help sharpen a tool for later in the season when the moments matter,” he added. “All these experiences, you definitely can grow from.”

Looking Ahead

The Thunder will face the Spurs again on Dec. 23 in San Antonio and then on Christmas Day in Oklahoma City. These games, already important, may feel even more significant after the narrow loss. The team’s coaching staff and players view the upcoming matchups as opportunities to refine their play and build confidence ahead of the postseason.

Key Takeaways

• The Thunder’s 24‑2 record is tied for the second‑best 26‑game start in NBA history.
• The 111‑109 loss to the Spurs ended the reigning champions’ 16‑game winning streak.
• Coach and players see the defeat as a learning experience that will help the team grow.

The Oklahoma City Thunder remain a dominant force early in the season, but the close loss to the Spurs serves as a reminder that even the best teams can stumble. The next games against San Antonio will be critical for the Thunder as they aim to regain momentum and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.