Spurs Stun Defending Champ Thunder Again: San Antonio Storms to 130–110 Victory as the West’s New Rivalry Heats Up
SAN ANTONIO — If there were any remaining doubts that the San Antonio Spurs have arrived as a legitimate threat to the Western Conference hierarchy, Tuesday night at the Frost Bank Center provided a 130–110 exclamation point.
Behind a career-defining performance from rookie Stephon Castle and the relentless energy of Keldon Johnson, the Spurs dismantled the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder for the second time in just ten days. The victory marks San Antonio’s seventh consecutive win, propelling them into solo second place in the West and dealing the Thunder their most lopsided loss of what has otherwise been a historically dominant season.
The Shift in Power: A New West Rivalry?
Just two weeks ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder (26–4) looked invincible, sitting at 24–1 and threatening the NBA’s all-time regular-season record. However, the Spurs (22–7) have become the ultimate “Thunder-stopper.”
After edging out OKC in a 111–109 nail-biter during the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas on December 13, San Antonio proved that win was no fluke. Tuesday’s rematch saw the Spurs overcome 15 lead changes and 13 ties before blowing the game open with a devastating 43-point fourth quarter.
Key Standings Impact
| Team | Record | Trend |
| OKC Thunder | 26–4 | Lost 3 of last 5 |
| SA Spurs | 22–7 | Won 7 straight; 14 of last 17 |
Castle and Johnson Lead the Charge
While the world focuses on the “Alien” vs. “Chet” matchup, it was the Spurs’ depth and rookie poise that stole the show.
- Keldon Johnson: Led all Spurs with 25 points. His “Big Body” energy was infectious, particularly in the third quarter when San Antonio began to seize momentum.
- Stephon Castle: The rookie put up a staggering 24 points on 7-of-12 shooting (4-of-6 from deep). Castle’s ability to defend at an elite level while providing secondary playmaking has fast-tracked the Spurs’ rebuild into a “win-now” reality.
- Dylan Harper: The fellow rookie may have only scored 4 points, but he dictated the game’s tempo with 10 assists and a season-high 5 steals, proving the Spurs’ 2024 draft class is as advertised.
Wembanyama: The Streak Ends, The Legend Continues
The game carried a bit of history as Victor Wembanyama’s incredible streak of 101 consecutive games with at least one block officially came to an end.
Wembanyama, who was a game-time decision due to a lingering strained left calf, came off the bench for the sixth straight game. He finished with 12 points and 8 rebounds in limited minutes. While he didn’t record a rejection, his gravity on the court was undeniable.
“We’re just happy to have him on the court,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said post-game. “The block streak is a testament to his consistency, but tonight was about the team’s growth and our ability to win collectively against the best in the league.”
Thunder’s Rare Vulnerability
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was his usual MVP-caliber self, pouring in 33 points. However, the lack of interior presence following Ivica Zubac’s injury (and Chet Holmgren facing foul trouble) allowed the Spurs to shoot a blistering 56.5% from the field.
Oklahoma City has now lost three of their last five games. For a team that started 24–1, this represents the first real “adversity” of their title-defense season.
What’s Next: Christmas Day Showdown
The NBA won’t have to wait long for the trilogy. These two giants meet again on Thursday, December 25, in Oklahoma City.
The Christmas Day rematch serves as the final act of this home-and-home set. With the season series currently leaning 2–0 in favor of San Antonio, the Thunder will be playing for pride and to protect their slim lead at the top of the Western Conference.
Prediction for Thursday: Expect a defensive masterclass from OKC. They rarely lose three times to the same team in a single month. However, if Castle and Johnson continue this level of efficiency, the Spurs might just ruin Christmas in Loud City.
