URGENT UPDATE: The San Antonio Spurs continue to assert their dominance over the Oklahoma City Thunder, clinching a decisive 117-102 victory on December 14, 2023. This marks the Spurs’ third consecutive win against the defending NBA champions in just two weeks, fueling a burgeoning rivalry that could shape the future of the Western Conference.
De’Aaron Fox led the charge for the Spurs with an impressive 29 points, while rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds. The Spurs shot an impressive 53.6% from the field, showcasing their offensive prowess. In stark contrast, the Thunder struggled, managing only 38.9% shooting throughout the game.
This latest win adds to San Antonio’s streak, marking their eighth straight victory and handing the Thunder their second home loss of the season. Despite entering the matchup with the best record in the league at 24-1, the Thunder have now dropped four of their last six games, including three to the Spurs.
The game started off favorably for Oklahoma City, who jumped to an early lead, going up 18-12 with their first seven field goals. However, Fox’s explosive performance, including 21 points in the first half alone, allowed the Spurs to regain control, heading into halftime with a 69-60 advantage.
The Spurs extended their lead to 85-68 midway through the third quarter, thanks to a powerful dunk by Dylan Harper, which capped a dominant period for San Antonio. They ended the third quarter with a commanding 95-79 lead and never looked back.
“Our defense was key tonight,” Fox stated post-game. “We executed our game plan and made it tough for them to score.”
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander managed to score 22 points, but he struggled with his shooting, hitting only 7 of 19 attempts. This game marks his 102nd consecutive game scoring at least 20 points, showcasing his consistency despite the team’s recent challenges. Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein added 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Chet Holmgren contributed 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Thunder.
The Spurs and Thunder are set to clash again on January 13, 2024, in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will aim to turn the tide against their rivals. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how this rivalry unfolds and its impact on the playoff picture in the Western Conference.
Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling NBA season continues to develop.
