Christmas Day is huge in the NBA, and the incredible slate of games this year did not disappoint. The day’s action saw multiple thrillers, but the San Antonio Spurs ended up beating the Oklahoma City Thunder comfortably in the end. In the aftermath, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made an honest admission.

The reigning MVP looked to be on pace to win another, and the Thunder were in talks to challenge the 2016 Golden State Warriors. The Spurs have put an end to all that by booking their third consecutive win in the same month against OKC. And SGA kept it real to admit they might just have the upper hand.

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“We have to get better as a group,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the 117-102 loss. “You don’t lose to a team three times in a row in a short span without them being better than you. So we have to get better. We have to look in the mirror. And that’s everybody. From top to bottom. If we want to reach our ultimate goal.”

SGA’s words may sound harsh, but they showcase his laser-focused mentality. As good as OKC has been this season, three losses against the same team is unacceptable.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drives around San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

With a 23-7 record, the Spurs are now uncomfortably close to the Thunder in the race for the Western Conference first seed. It seemed like OKC would run away with it, and they still might. But as Gilgeous-Alexander’s admission shows, these losses are bound to affect the team’s mindset.

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