The San Antonio Spurs showcased their physical prowess on the court, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 130-110 at Frost Bank Center on Tuesday night. This victory marks the Spurs’ second win over the reigning NBA champions in just ten days, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Christmas Day match at Paycom Center, where the tension between the two teams is expected to heighten.
Spurs center Victor Wembanyama reflected on the intensity of the recent games, suggesting that while labeling it a rivalry may seem premature, the two teams are undoubtedly progressing toward that status. “We’re definitely getting closer,” Wembanyama stated, acknowledging the competitive atmosphere that has developed. He added, “They’re going to be locked in [on Christmas] more than any time before, probably. It’s a resourceful team, but we’re going to be there too.”
San Antonio’s defense was the standout feature of the night, forcing 15 turnovers from the Thunder that led to 20 points. The Spurs’ supporting players, Keldon Johnson, Stephon Castle, and Harrison Barnes, contributed significantly with 25, 24, and 20 points, respectively. Meanwhile, Wembanyama, who has been coming off the bench for five consecutive games, finished with 12 points, although he ended his impressive streak of 101 games with at least one blocked shot.
The Thunder suffered a notable setback, as this marked the first time this season they fell behind by 20 or more points. Kelly Olynyk’s free throw with 1:23 remaining capped off a frustrating night for Oklahoma City, handing San Antonio a commanding 126-105 lead. Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s game-high 33 points, the reigning MVP struggled to get to the line, finishing with just five free throw attempts compared to the Spurs’ 24.
Coach Mitch Johnson praised the opportunity his team had to compete against a top-ranked opponent, emphasizing the learning experiences that come from facing the best. Johnson stated, “When you’re learning about yourself or your team, to be able to be in situations… against the best… it’s a heck of an opportunity. You’d better be ready to go.”
The game also highlighted the Spurs’ capability to dominate the paint, outscoring the Thunder 60-48 and exploiting fast-break opportunities for a 19-5 advantage. Rookie Dylan Harper made his mark with a career-high five steals, demonstrating the Spurs’ commitment to aggressive play.
As the Spurs prepare for the upcoming matchup, they enter with the NBA’s longest active winning streak, now at seven games—their best run since the 2018-19 season. Wembanyama remained cautious in labeling the match as a rivalry, acknowledging that such dynamics take time to develop, but the palpable energy and competitive spirit between the Spurs and Thunder point towards an exciting future for both teams.
With three more meetings scheduled this season, basketball fans eagerly await how this budding rivalry continues to unfold.