The San Antonio Spurs have once again shocked the NBA world by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking their third consecutive victory against the defending champions in less than two weeks. This latest triumph, a decisive 117-102 win in Oklahoma City, has sent ripples through the league, flipping expectations for the season on its head.
Leading the charge for the Spurs was De’Aaron Fox, who scored 29 points, contributing to San Antonio’s eighth straight victory. The game was part of the U.S. Christmas Day slate, and the Spurs, now with a 23-7 record, have emerged as serious contenders in the Western Conference.
Spurs’ Dominance Over Thunder
Victor Wembanyama, coming off the bench, added 19 points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes, while Stephon Castle contributed 19 points and seven assists. The Spurs’ defense was equally impressive, holding the Thunder to just 38.9 percent shooting from the field.
The Thunder, who began the season with a remarkable 24-1 record and aspirations of breaking Golden State’s 73-win record, have now suffered three of their five losses at the hands of the Spurs. This has raised questions about their invincibility and highlighted a potential kryptonite in their armor.
Despite the recent setbacks, Oklahoma City remains at the top of the Western Conference with a 26-5 record, maintaining a two-and-a-half-game lead over the Spurs. However, the Thunder’s star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, acknowledged the challenge posed by San Antonio, stating,
“You don’t lose to a team three times in a row in a short span without them being better than you. We have to get better, we have to look in the mirror. And that’s everybody from top to bottom, if we want to reach our ultimate goal.”
Rivalry and Controversy
The rivalry between these two Western Conference powerhouses continues to heat up, with tensions flaring during the game. A notable incident occurred when Lu Dort appeared to deliberately shove Wembanyama from behind, causing the towering center to fall awkwardly. Fortunately, Wembanyama was able to continue playing without further issues.
Wembanyama, who is still under playing restrictions following a calf injury, has been a pivotal figure in the Spurs’ recent success against the Thunder. Reflecting on their encounters, he remarked,
“This is like a playoff series. We learned a lot on the tactical side … I don’t want to say too much about it. Keep something for us.”
Warriors and Mavericks: A Tale of Two Teams
In other NBA action, the Golden State Warriors secured a 126-116 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in San Francisco. Steph Curry led the Warriors with 23 points, while Jimmy Butler narrowly missed a triple-double with 14 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Draymond Green’s return after a spat with the coach in a previous game marked the Warriors’ third consecutive win, putting them back above .500 at 16-15.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks faced a significant setback as Anthony Davis left the game with a groin injury. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 draft pick, stepped up with 27 points, six rebounds, and five assists, but the Mavericks have now lost three of their last four games, dropping to a 12-20 record.
Barkley’s Call for Change
The injury-prone Davis, who has already missed 16 games this season, has prompted NBA legend Charles Barkley to suggest a major overhaul for the Mavericks. Barkley declared,
“Davis is never going to be healthy. It’s time to do a full rebuild in Dallas. Build around Cooper Flagg.”
This statement underscores the growing sentiment that the Mavericks need to rethink their strategy and focus on their young talent.
Knicks Edge Cavaliers in Christmas Thriller
In New York, the Knicks pulled off a dramatic 126-124 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 34 points, including a crucial three-pointer in the final minute. This win marked Brunson’s 90th 30-point game as a Knick, a feat surpassed only by franchise legends Patrick Ewing and Carmelo Anthony.
The Cavaliers, despite a strong performance from Donovan Mitchell, who also scored 34 points, were unable to maintain their lead, succumbing to a late surge by the Knicks.
As the NBA season continues to unfold, these developments highlight the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the league. With rivalries intensifying and teams facing pivotal decisions, the coming weeks promise to deliver more excitement and drama.
