COLUMN: Why OKC’s winning streak may snap against Spurs
Alta Sports4 months ago · 299 views
COLUMN: Why OKC’s winning streak may snap against Spurs image
Photo: Getty Images
 
By Joel Reyes
 
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been unstoppable of late, winning 16 consecutive games to set a new franchise record. They are just the second NBA team to start the season with a 24-1 record, replicating the Golden State Warriors’ feat which they accomplished in the 2015-16 campaign.
 
Next up for the streaking Thunder is a showdown with the San Antonio Spurs this coming Sunday (PH time) in Las Vegas. The Spurs are riding high at the moment, beating the Los Angeles Lakers in an upset in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
 
Here are three reasons why the Spurs can put an end to the Thunder’s unbeaten run in the 2025 NBA Cup semifinals.
 
  1. De’Aaron Fox is playing stellar basketball for San Antonio

 

Many feared the worst for San Antonio after Victor Wembanyama went down with a calf injury in the game against Golden State last last month. Fortunately for the Spurs, De’Aaron Fox stepped up in Wemby’s absence, leading San Antonio to a 9-3 record since the Frenchman’s exit.
 
Photo: Getty Images
 
Fox scored at least 25 points nine times during that stretch, including a 37-point explosion against Portland on Nov. 27. He also has been the Spurs’ chief facilitator, averaging 6.5 assists over his last 12 games.
 
  1. Spurs’ young guards are taking over

 

The future is now for San Antonio with Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper lighting up the Spurs’ backcourt. Harper has been superb since returning from a left calf injury, averaging 13.0 points and 3.9 assists in his last eight games.
 
Photo: Getty Images
 
Castle, on the other hand, wreaked havoc in the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the Lakers, recording 30 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. He shot 10-for-14 from the field, including 3-for-6 from deep to lead the Spurs to the upset win.
 
The Spurs will need both Harper and Castle to be firing on all cylinders for them to have a chance of beating the mighty Thunder.
 
  1. Victor Wembanyama could finally return against OKC

 

The long wait might finally be over for the Spurs, with Victor Wembanyama possibly returning in the game against the Thunder. Coach Mitch Johnson shared after the Lakers game that Wemby could rejoin the Spurs this weekend for their NBA Cup clash against OKC.
 
Photo: Getty Images
 
Wembanyama led the Spurs to an 8-4 start this season, averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.6 blocks before suffering a calf injury in the loss to the Warriors.
 
Wemby’s return will help the Spurs against the Thunder, who are second in the league in scoring. OKC is averaging 123.6 points per contest, trailing only the Denver Nuggets this season.
 
—JMS, Alta Sports
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King march Caniel
Nice
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