Coming off a win against the Orlando Magic, the Spurs faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder for the fifth time this season. Before the game, it was announced that OKC’s starting five, plus some key rotation players, would be out due to their respective injuries. Stephon Castle returned after missing Sunday’s win versus Orlando, but Dylan Harper was ruled out due to an ankle injury. After dominating the first quarter 39-26, the Spurs led by as much as 22. As they took a 15-point lead into halftime, the Spurs came out sluggish to start the third. They allowed multiple OKC runs and struggled to drain a three. They missed 12 consecutive threes and allowed OKC to cut their deficit to just four points in the fourth quarter. Nonetheless, the Spurs finally buckled down and closed out the OKC B-Team 116-106.
Keldon Johnson dropped a team-high 25 points (10-17 FG, 4-8 3PT), six rebounds, two assists, and a block. KJ was the first one off the bench in the first and quickly went to work. He dropped 12 points in the first quarter and dropped 12 in the third. The 12 he scored in the third was all consecutive. He provided the much-needed scoring punch off the bench, just like he has all season. Once again, KJ for 6MOTY.
KJ IS EN FUEGO! KJ drained four threes, including this laser from the top of the key!
Victor Wembanyama dropped a double-double: 22 points (9-16 FG) and 14 rebounds to go along with two assists and two blocks. Wemby scored and got to the foul line repeatedly. However, he struggled from the foul line and shot three of eight. Nonetheless, Wemby’s impact was prevalent on the glass and on defense. His presence is so menacing that Isaiah Joe beat him to the rim but quickly threw his layup attempt off the backboard to a bit, Wemby, into goaltending it. Fortunately, Wemby did not fall for it. Look for him to get his focus back at the foul line.
W3MBY! Wemby gets Cason Wallace up in the air and snatches back his dribble for the open stepback trey!
AREA 51! Steph drives in and dishes a sweet backwards bounce pass to a cutting Wemby for the slam!
FLYING SAUCER APPROACHING! Wemby cleans up the Devin Vassell miss with a two-handed jam!
WEMBY DOUBLE DAGGER! Wemby rejects Aaron Wiggins on one end and finishes the alley-oop on the other end for the and-one to close out the Thunder!
De’Aaron Fox dropped a double-double: 15 points and 10 assists to go along with four rebounds, three steals, and a block. D-Fox was a playmaker on both ends. He dished out dimes and created points off turnovers with his pickpocketing. He also made five shots and made five free throws. One shot in particular stopped a cold streak for the Spurs in the fourth quarter, sparking new life into the offense. Look for him to continue sharing the playmaking load with Steph.
The Fox and the Alien! After Wemby blocks Kenrich Williams’ three-point attempt, D-Fox crosses half court and immediately lobs it to Wemby for the alley-oop connection!
Stephon Castle returned from injury and dropped 14 points, four assists, three rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Steph was everywhere on defense. He was in the passing lanes like D-Fox, and he also had a few highlight swats. On offense, he battled and slashed in the paint with a dose of midranges. He’s still working on taking care of the ball, but his stature as a tall guard continues to make him a strong two-way player.
HIGH FLYER! Steph catches the lob from D-Fox and rises higher than Wallace for the one-handed jam!
A closer look at the verticality!
FUTURE ALL-DEFENSE! Steph rises and blocks Joe’s dunk attempt at the rim!
Carter Bryant dropped 11 points, five rebounds, two steals, and an assist in 13 minutes off the bench. CB came off the bench and made an immediate impact. He was aggressive on both ends: using his length to defend at a high level and even knocking down three threes. Ever since the Jeremy Sochan trade rumors, CB’s playing time has grown consistently. Look for the rookie to continue to show off his raw athleticism for the rest of the season, especially after this high putback slam!
All in all, this was on the verge of becoming an embarrassing collapse. With OKC not playing most of its key players, the Spurs should have taken care of business earlier than the fourth quarter. It goes back to a pattern for this young team still figuring out how to close out opponents. Despite the collapses, they still find themselves 34-16 and second in the West. Hopefully, the energy they saved will appear in their quick turnaround in Dallas with a hopeful return of Harper.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs travel to Dallas on a SEGABABA to take on the Mavericks at 7:30 P.M. (CST) on KENS.
