Facing the defending champions in any sport carries a different weight compared to other games. There’s a need to up your game and facing a vaunted team can even be intimidating. It’s a test of sorts, more so when you consider that reigning titleholders are considered the benchmarks of the sport.
But facing the Oklahoma City Thunder doesn’t seem to faze the San Antonio Spurs.
The Thunder entered the game as the only NBA team to limit their opponents to below 110 points per game (106.2) and yet the Spurs had no problems dropping 130 points on OKC. From the key rotation players to those who are frequent DNP-CDs, everyone who entered scored and with six players scoring at least eight points, Dylan Harper decided to lead the way in moving the ball around, finishing with a game-high 10 assists, five steals (one more than the Thunder had the entire game), and no turnovers.
Not only has San Antonio managed to score 120.5 points against OKC but they have also handed them half of their four losses so far this season. It’s a feat that shouldn’t be taken for granted especially considering how the Thunder have had answers for pretty much everyone they’ve faced. The Spurs have been able to match OKC’s personnel in both talent and size. San Antonio has been able to field jumbo lineups while they also have players that can dissect defenses and cause problems on offense. Going forward, this should give the Spurs confidence especially considering how San Antonio has also overcome their own challenges.
Throughout the course of the season, San Antonio has been able to showcase their depth. Early-season absences would have seen other teams fall in the standings, but the Spurs have been able to persevere thanks to the likes of Harper, Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson, and Luke Kornet.
At full strength, San Antonio is loaded to the point that Harper, the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is only playing 21.5 minutes a game off the bench. Nonetheless, the Filipino-American continues to impress and show maturity beyond his years.
Meanwhile, Wembanyama continues to be eased back into the lineup following a long layoff due to a left calf strain, but he nonetheless remains an impactful player despite limited minutes.
It’s safe to say the Spurs are building something in San Antonio. The wins are a testament to the continuity the organization has, but it’s also who they’ve beat that matters too. The city of San Antonio has been accustomed to winning in the last century and they’re eager to see that this current group is doubling down on old traditions while starting new ones.
