In a game where rivalry and bragging rights are on the line, Oklahoma City Thunder finally break through by defeating the San Antonio Spurs for the first time this season in their fourth encounter. And this is the part most people miss—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's incredible performance, pouring in 34 points, proves once again why he's one of the league’s most dynamic talents. His scoring spree was pivotal in guiding the Thunder to a convincing 119-98 victory. But here's where it gets controversial: can the Spurs truly call themselves playoff contenders after dropping six of their last ten games, despite showing early promise with back-to-back wins against Oklahoma City last month? This game highlighted the rising strength of the Thunder, who now boast a stellar 34-7 record at the halfway point of the season, putting them on track to match last year's impressive 68-win regular season.
Joining Gilgeous-Alexander was Jalen Williams, who added 20 points to the scoreboard, while Chet Holmgren contributed by tallying eight points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and blocking three shots—demonstrating his defensive prowess. Remarkably, Oklahoma City secured this win despite missing two of their key players—Isaiah Hartenstein, their leading rebounder, and defensive specialist Lu Dort. The team still managed to limit the Spurs to just 40% shooting from the floor, showcasing their defensive resilience.
The game saw Oklahoma City take an early lead, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 13 points in the first quarter to build a 32-26 advantage. They maintained this momentum, leading 55-52 at halftime. The third quarter was particularly significant for Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored while being fouled, and his free throw pushed the Thunder ahead 73-62. This move extended his streak to 111 consecutive games with at least 20 points, marking the second-longest such streak in NBA history—an astonishing feat that emphasizes his scoring consistency.
By the end of the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander had added 15 points, helping Oklahoma City extend their lead to 95-76 heading into the final period. The teams are scheduled to face off one last time this regular season on February 4th in San Antonio, promising more high-intensity action.
Looking ahead, the Spurs will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, aiming to turn their fortunes around. Meanwhile, the Thunder will travel to face the Houston Rockets in their next game, seeking to extend their winning streak and assert their dominance in the Western Conference.
This game not only reinforced Oklahoma City's impressive form but also raised questions about the Spurs' ability to contend for a playoff spot given their recent struggles. Do you believe San Antonio can bounce back, or are they destined to fade further from title contention? Drop your thoughts below!
