With the Spurs down their high 4 gamers and high exterior shooter, a sport towards an Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder group vying for the highest seed on the second night time of a back-to-back was by no means going to be fairly, however it nonetheless one way or the other managed to be even worse than many most likely imagined. The Thunder opened on an 11-0 run earlier than tacking on a 19-0 run to shut the primary quarter to take a 34-11 lead, and that was the ball sport. The skeleton crew Spurs couldn’t purchase any offense till rubbish time and ended up being blown out 127-89 in a sport they have been by no means in from the opening tip.
Zach Collins led the Spurs with a stable 20 factors and seven rebounds, and Tre Jones was the one different starter to attain in double figures with 13 factors. In the meantime, the Thunder had a subject day, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting no matter he wished with 26 factors in 26 minutes, and even Josh Giddy sliced the Spurs’ transition protection for 20 simple factors.
Observations
Gregg Popovich had Victor Wembanyama sit this one out as a result of he didn’t see the necessity to push him too exhausting down the stretch on a back-to-back and find yourself regretting it. He admitted Wemby was not pleased with the choice however understood the logic. I’m certain these of us who caught this one out weren’t thrilled both, however so long as he’s out there for the house followers the final two video games, all shall be forgiven.
Outdoors of just a little 11-4 run in the course of the primary quarter that featured all of their factors within the body, the Spurs couldn’t purchase a bucket, taking pictures simply 4-25 and lacking in all manners, together with simple layups. 9 of these factors belonged to Collins, who was the one participant who appeared unintimidated to begin the sport.
This was a kind of actually dangerous Blake Wesley video games. In a flashback to final season, he was 1-11 from the sphere, lacking all seven of his makes an attempt across the rim. He’s been higher this season than final, when he completed within the backside percentile of the complete league in taking pictures across the rim, however he’s nonetheless not good. And that doesn’t even embrace the passes he dropped, which doesn’t rely as turnovers for him however may as effectively. With all of the potential first spherical picks coming the Spurs’ approach, his time could also be restricted if he doesn’t take a good leap in yr three.
Malaki Branham was the passive model of himself within the first half, taking timid pictures and affected by careless ball dealing with. He tried to show it on to begin the second half with a few buckets, however he quickly needed to depart after taking an elbow to the pinnacle from Jalen Williams, changing into the second Spur to (presumably) want brow stiches this week.
Sidy Cissoko remains to be uncooked on offense however contributed 14 factors on 4-7 taking pictures, together with a 3. He additionally confirmed off his endless motor and passing skills. I’m excited to see him with one other summer time of expertise below his belt. Two-way participant RaiQuan Grey additionally had a pleasant sport, even when it was all after the Thunder emptied their bench, with 13 factors on 5-8 taking pictures, together with 3-5 from three.
Actually nobody else had what may very well be thought of a good sport. Sandro Mamukelashvili was 0-8 from the sphere and lacked the depth from current video games (though he did seize 11 rebounds). Devonte’ Graham had a tough taking pictures night time, and Julian Champagnie was 0-fer from three for 5 factors after scoring in double figures in six of the final seven video games. It was simply a particularly tough night time throughout.
The Spurs will return residence for the ultimate two video games of the season, starting with the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Tip-off shall be at 7:00 PM CT on Bally Sports activities.
