LAS VEGAS –
The Oklahoma City Thunder are back in Las Vegas with a chance to keep their historic run going.
OKC (24-1) will face the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night in the semifinals of the NBA Cup, looking for a 17th consecutive win and a spot in the championship game. Tipoff for the nightcap is set for 8 p.m., following the Eastern Conference semifinal between the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic.
It will be the first meeting of the season between the Thunder and Spurs, and San Antonio could be getting a major boost. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said Friday that he is ready to play after meeting with the media ahead of the matchup.
Wembanyama and several Spurs players were spotted near the NBA Cup trophy in Las Vegas, though players were instructed not to touch it. Wembanyama joked that San Antonio would wait to touch the trophy when bringing it back home a statement that now requires getting past the Thunder.
Beyond the hardware, there is significant money at stake. Players on the winning team will earn $500,000 each, adding extra motivation for both rosters.
Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins said the message in the locker room is simple.
“Let’s win,” Wiggins said. “Everybody wants the money. Whether they give it to family, buy something, or save it, everybody is locked in.”
Rookie Ajay Mitchell echoed that sentiment, noting the timing with the holidays approaching.
“Definitely some gifts for the family,” Mitchell said. “Christmas is around the corner, so making sure I take care of them. And then being smart with the rest.”
The Thunder’s injury report was not yet available as of Friday night. Isaiah Hartenstein remains questionable while dealing with a calf strain, though no official update had been released.
Oklahoma City will look to continue its dominant season and advance to the NBA Cup final