The vitality was off the charts within the Frost Financial institution Middle even earlier than opening tip for what many hoop followers are hoping is the following nice NBA rivalry. Each the Spurs and Thunder the traded blows on the offensive and defensive finish in an exhilarating show of basketball that included 12 lead modifications and 11 ties. Oklahoma Metropolis took a slim 60-58 lead into the locker room at halftime. The second half performed out in a lot the identical trend with extraordinarily high-level basketball and neither workforce in a position to draw back, although San Antonio had been those who took a 5 level lead heading into the 4th quarter. That chink within the Thunder armor although was sufficient to blow the sport large open to start the ultimate body for the Spurs. They spent the overwhelming majority of the 4th quarter simply making life hell for the Thunder, who waved the white flag and pulled their starters with 3 minutes left within the sport.
Led by enormous performances from Stephon Fort, Harrison Barnes and a very particular efficiency by Keldon Johnson off the bench, the win marks their second straight win over the defending champions and their seventh win in a row, the longest for the membership since 2019. Tonight’s win units the desk for Thursday’s Christmas Day match-up in Oklahoma Metropolis fairly properly, sending a message to anybody nonetheless doubting whether or not or not the Silver and Black are for actual.
The rematch on Christmas Day begins at 1:30 CT on ABC and ESPN.
