Thunder Strike Back: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Delivers a Ruthless Statement to Top the Spurs
OKLAHOMA CITY — After weeks of frustration and near misses, the Oklahoma City Thunder finally flipped the script against the San Antonio Spurs. Led by a dominant performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the defending NBA champions cruised to a convincing 119–98 victory on Tuesday night, earning their first win over San Antonio in four meetings this season.
For Oklahoma City, the win was about more than just snapping a mini-skid against a divisional rival. It was a reminder of who they are — a resilient, elite team capable of responding with authority when challenged.
Gilgeous-Alexander Makes History Again
Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another masterpiece, pouring in 34 points while continuing one of the most remarkable scoring runs in modern NBA history. The All-NBA guard extended his streak to 111 consecutive games with at least 20 points, now the second-longest streak ever in the league.
From the opening tip, Gilgeous-Alexander looked locked in. He scored 13 points in the first quarter, setting the tone early as the Thunder built a 32–26 lead. His blend of smooth footwork, relentless drives, and calm decision-making repeatedly put the Spurs’ defense under pressure.
The turning point came in the third quarter. With the game still within reach, Gilgeous-Alexander scored through contact and converted the free throw to push Oklahoma City ahead 73–62. He went on to score 15 points in the quarter, completely taking over and stretching the Thunder’s lead to 95–76 heading into the fourth.
By then, the outcome was all but decided.
Thunder Overcome Key Absences
What made the victory even more impressive was how Oklahoma City managed it while shorthanded. The Thunder played without two starters — top rebounder Isaiah Hartenstein and defensive ace Luguentz Dort — yet never lost control of the game.
Despite those absences, the Thunder’s defensive structure held firm. San Antonio was limited to 40% shooting from the field, a testament to Oklahoma City’s discipline, help defense, and rim protection.
Balanced Support Cast Delivers
While Gilgeous-Alexander was the headline act, he wasn’t alone. Jalen Williams added 20 points, continuing his steady rise as a reliable second option. His ability to score efficiently and defend multiple positions helped stabilize the Thunder during key stretches.
Inside, Chet Holmgren provided his usual defensive impact. Holmgren finished with eight points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, altering shots and controlling the paint despite San Antonio’s size and athleticism.
Thunder finally flip the script as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander explodes for 34, overpowering the Spurs and restoring Oklahoma City’s dominance
The Thunder led 55–52 at halftime, but their composure after the break separated them. Oklahoma City tightened defensively, pushed the pace offensively, and gradually wore the Spurs down.
Spurs Struggle to Keep Pace
San Antonio entered the night sitting second in the Western Conference, right behind Oklahoma City, and had made a strong statement earlier this season by beating the Thunder three times in a two-week span. Those wins fueled talk of the Spurs as a legitimate title contender.
This time, however, the momentum was missing.
Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 20 points, while rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama finished with 17 points and seven rebounds. Though flashes of brilliance were evident, San Antonio struggled to sustain offensive rhythm once Oklahoma City turned up the defensive pressure.
The loss marked the Spurs’ sixth defeat in their last 10 games, a noticeable dip after their impressive run against the Thunder earlier in the season.
Thunder Regain Their Rhythm
Oklahoma City began the season with a staggering 24–1 record, establishing themselves as the league’s most dominant force. A midseason lull followed — highlighted by the three losses to San Antonio — but the Thunder have responded emphatically.
Tuesday’s win pushed Oklahoma City to four straight victories and improved their record to a league-best 34–7 at the midway point of the season. At this pace, they remain on track to match last year’s historic 68–14 regular-season finish.
More importantly, the Thunder looked like themselves again: fast, connected, and ruthless when opportunities presented themselves.
The two teams will meet one final time in the regular season in February, a matchup that could carry significant playoff implications. For now, Oklahoma City has reclaimed the upper hand, while San Antonio will look to regroup and rediscover the edge that fueled their earlier success.
As the season marches on, one thing is clear — when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at this level and the Thunder are defending with purpose, Oklahoma City remains the standard in the NBA. Tuesday night wasn’t just a win. It was a message.
