In what was anticipated as a showdown between rising stars Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 123-87 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday took an unexpected turn. While the spotlight was meant for the young giants, it was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) who stole the show and left an indelible mark on the game.
SGA’s dynamic performance showcased his prowess in transition, leaving defenders in his wake, expertly executing floaters at various angles off the glass. His speed proved overwhelming, tallying an impressive 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting, complemented by five assists, and six rebounds. What set this game apart was SGA’s defensive prowess, finishing with a career-high seven steals and leading the Thunder’s charge to force 24 Spurs turnovers.
Despite the presence of notable defenders like Lu Dort and Cason Wallace, as well as shot-blocking talent in Holmgren, SGA’s contributions often went unnoticed this season. However, on Tuesday, he made an emphatic statement, showcasing his defensive versatility by disrupting ball handlers, chasing loose balls, and anticipating kickout passes.
The Thunder’s second-half defense played a crucial role in stifling the Spurs, limiting them to a mere 38.7% shooting. Holmgren, although a force on the court, finished with nine points on 3-of-10 shooting and seven rebounds. Wembanyama, another promising rookie, contributed eight points on 4-of-15 shooting and grabbed 14 rebounds.
This victory marked the Thunder’s improvement to 1-2 in group play of the NBA In-Season Tournament, setting a positive tone for the team. Looking ahead, OKC is geared up for a challenging three-game road trip, commencing on Thursday night against the Golden State Warriors.
The game was initially hyped as a potential clash between Holmgren and Wembanyama, who had previously faced off in the preseason opener on Oct. 9. Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 draft, had a stellar performance with 21 points, leading the Thunder to a narrow 122-121 victory. On the other hand, Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in the June draft, showcased his skills with 20 points for the Spurs.
Addressing the prospect of a long-term rivalry with Wembanyama, Holmgren emphasized his immediate focus on contributing to the Thunder’s success. The victory over the Spurs, led by SGA’s standout performance, underlines the Thunder’s resilience and potential as they navigate the challenges of the NBA season.
