Effectively, properly, properly. The San Antonio Spurs are proving that the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder aren’t so mighty in any case. The Christmas Day victory marks their third in opposition to them in 12 days and eight in a row, which has given them a ton of avenue cred, as they received it finished in model. De’Aaron Fox was the very best participant on the ground within the first half, however a bunch of fellows had their moments on the glittering stage.
By sport 30 (23-7), groups have established their identification, and up to now, the Spurs are a heavyweight contender who handed the Thunder their first lump of coal at dwelling this yr. Notably, probably the most memorable highlights got here on the post-game presser, when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stated, “You don’t lose to a group 3 times in a row in a brief span with out them being higher than you.”
Good gamers cross up the nice seems to be for the nice ones, and there aren’t many higher than giving it to an unguarded Dylan Harper. He was a blur in transition and maneuvered his method into the lane simply. That is additionally one of many handful of possessions that spotlight Victor Wembanyama’s nice instincts, too. Because the years go by, they’ll have innumerable connections, however this one was the fourth between them.
You understand, for such an awesome defensive group, the Thunder have too many sequences not seeing the ball and man on the similar time. Apart from going up 16 factors going into the fourth quarter, one of these play from Keldon Johnson emotionally rallied the troops, retaining them fierce for what was left. It wasn’t his night time to be the new reserve as he solely had 9 factors, however he’s all the time enjoying arduous and impacting the sport in different methods, like grabbing seven rebounds.
It’s all the time particular when somebody will get the reigning MVP on a spotlight. Right here, it felt like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was pondering to himself, “No he gained’t”, however Devin Vassell nailed it in his eye. Vassell missed the whole lot after that, however he constructed sufficient goodwill on that and performed a lot of the second-half minutes. This was solely his fourth sport this yr logging beneath 10 factors.
Wemby naturally play with quite a bit finesse, however he hasn’t been slacking in his energy coaching. It permits him to throw his weight round with further ease and it’s an excessive amount of for many opponents. Apart from barreling by means of the lane for a imply putback, he additionally used his energy to ascertain place on his face-up strikes. This was his sixth sport coming off the bench, and his third double-double in that span. He didn’t should be the overwhelming pressure and knew when to take step again when others have been in a groove.
Fort had 4 turnovers as a result of he received too bold together with his passing, however while you play high-level protection like him and rating so effectively, the blunders don’t weigh a lot. He additionally threw some effective passes.
It doesn’t matter that Fox solely had eight factors on 37.5 p.c capturing within the second half; the Spurs have a surplus of weapons anyway, and his early work set the temper in his Christmas Day debut. He weaved by means of site visitors like a grasp System pilot and nailed photographs at quick, center and lengthy vary. It was a big-time response from him as he was held to 6 factors on Tuesday in opposition to the identical opponent.
Lastly, listed here are the whole highlights.
