De’Aaron Fox led the Spurs over the Thunder … again (Photo via X)
What in the world? In less than two weeks, the San Antonio Spurs have single-handedly changed the entire narrative of this NBA season. By beating the Oklahoma City Thunder for a third time, the defending champions no longer look like a shoo-in to repeat. In fact, the Spurs legitimately look like the better team — which is something no one would have said two weeks ago.
This time around, the Thunder got off to a hot start. But the Spurs weathered the storm on Christmas Day and grabbed a 41-36 lead at the end of the first quarter. San Antonio kept the momentum going in the second period and the good guys never looked back. When the smoke cleared and the jaws were lifted off the floor, the Spurs had a 117-102 victory to improve to a record of 23-7. Oklahoma City, who was 24-1 prior to their first fateful encounter with San Antonio, now drop to 26-5 on the season.
The Thunder are 0-3 against the Spurs and 26-2 against the rest of the NBA. Crazy — yet exciting — stuff, my brethren.
Stats: Spurs at Thunder
Spurs at Thunder – Final Grades
Victor Wembanyama
It was another dominant outing for Wembanyama. Playing as a reserve, the tall Frenchman was great on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he shut down the middle, played extremely impactful help defense, contested shots on the perimeter and inhaled rebounds. When he was on the court, he made life very difficult for the Thunder on the offensive end. When the Spurs had the ball, Wembanyama was an undeniable force. He hit timely three-pointers, took care of business at the line and stubbornly battled for quality shots inside the arc. His passing was also a plus. Wembanyama had a couple errors here and there but, overall, he was outstanding during his 26 minutes of action.
Grade: A-
De’Aaron Fox
The biggest single reason San Antonio won this game was Fox’s first half play. He kept the Spurs afloat and then allowed the team to pull away by scoring 21 first half points on 9-for-11 shooting from the field and 3-for-4 shooting from three-point range. His speed, quickness and wisdom with the ball gave OKC constant headaches. Add in a wet three-point shot and Fox is basically impossible to guard when he gets going like that. While he slowed down a bit in the second half offensively, he kept the pressure on the Thunder enough to bend their defense. Speaking of defense, Fox’s D was marvelous. Never known as a very good defender, he had a handful of wow moments on that end of the court. When he’s locked in, Fox is proving to be a very capable defender whose IQ is rising in that area of the game at a rapid pace.
Grade: A
Stephon Castle
Castle has been so consistently good lately that it’s not even especially notable when there are stretches where he looks like the best player on the court. On Christmas Day, he had 19 points and seven assists while hitting 8-of-9 two-point attempts. Although he was 0-for-2 on threes and turned the ball over four times, Castle was otherwise great on offense. He got into the paint and finished. He exhibited a clean touch in the midrange. Castle’s passing on the move was brilliant. And then on defense, he took on the most harrowing challenges and did so with a smile on his face. He’s turning into a very good defender who is always willing to do whatever is necessary. Kid is looking like a stud.
Great: A-
Devin Vassell
Vassell only made one basket — a timely three-pointer. He also got fouled on a three-pointer and hit two of the three freebies. Despite the pedestrian numbers, I thought Vassell did pretty well. He passed the ball smartly, he didn’t turn it over and didn’t try to do too much. Defensively, Vassell kept his energy high despite things not going his way on the other end. When he plays this brand of smart, competitive basketball, Vassell is a really valuable piece to the puzzle.
Grade: B
Harrison Barnes
The Spurs got a lot of good from Barnes. He shot well from three-point land, was physical going to the rim and took on some of the scoring slack when things got tough. Defensively, Barnes hustled and clawed more than usual. He was also much better on the boards than is typical. This contest had a big game feel so it was great to see Barnes step up and shine on the big stage.
Grade: B+
Luke Kornet
Kornet did his job of keeping the Spurs afloat when Wembanyama wasn’t on the court. His pick-and-roll chemistry with Castle is magical. His screen setting everywhere is brainy. Defensively, he guarded the rim well and he was tough enough in the paint to keep the Thunder in check. This wasn’t a flashy game for Kornet but he was definitely a part of the winning formula.
Grade: B
Dylan Harper
Harper’s performance flew beneath the radar but I thought the rookie was absolutely vital against the Thunder. His ability to create for himself, break down the defense and either find open teammates or score for himself is invaluable. Especially against such a good defensive team, Harper slicing and dicing is a major difference-making attribute. To make matters even better, the rookie played very stout defense; he’s much better than advertised on that end of the court. Harper providing an elite skillset off the bench is becoming very hard for opponents to handle — even an opponent as heralded as the Thunder.
Grade: A-
Julian Champagnie
Champagnie was scoreless in 20 minutes. He was 0-for-3 from the field, all of which came from beyond the three-point line. But, like Vassell, Champagnie found ways to contribute. He was felt on the glass, he defended with gusto and he kept playing hard even though his personal success was fleeting. He’s really turning the corner as a reliable role player who the team can lean on no matter the circumstances.
Grade: B-
Keldon Johnson
Johnson only played 17 minutes but his presence was felt. He grabbed seven rebounds, hit a three-point, had a loud follow-dunk and was sure to keep the pedal to the metal. While Johnson’s defense was hit or miss, his vivacity level was so high that it appeared to be intimidating to Oklahoma City.
Grade: B+
Mitch Johnson
What more could be said about Johnson’s coaching at this point? He’s doing a stupendous job in all aspects. His rotations are nearly perfect. His defensive and offensive gameplans are nearly perfect. His adjustments seem to always pay immediate dividends. All indications point to the Spurs being in very good hands.
Grade: A