Thunder's all-time wins record teeters after falling again to Spurs

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The Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off a win the night before, faced the San Antonio Spurs in a rematch that quickly exposed fatigue and mismatches. Despite some roster reinforcements, the Thunder fell flat and suffered a season-worst loss that raises questions about their pace toward historic win totals.

How the game unfolded: Spurs controlled the tempo

San Antonio set the tone early and kept pressure through every stanza except the second. The Spurs closed the game with a dominant fourth quarter. Oklahoma City could not recover from a late collapse.

Fourth quarter: Spurs outscored the Thunder 43-28.

Scoring leaders: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 33 points, but the team lacked help at critical moments.

Turnovers: OKC committed 15 turnovers to San Antonio’s eight, a decisive margin.

Result: A 20-point loss, the largest defeat for the Thunder this season.

Players returning and why it still fell short

Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein returned to the lineup after missing the prior game. Their presence helped size and depth, but it did not erase defensive lapses.

Holmgren provided rim protection and floor spacing, yet the Spurs found consistent scoring lanes.

Hartenstein added toughness on the boards but could not stem runs in transition.

Even with key players back, Oklahoma City struggled to execute in late-game possessions.

Numbers that matter for Oklahoma City’s season goals

The loss trims the Thunder’s record and makes elite-season benchmarks tougher to reach. Several stats from the night spotlight the gap.

Current mark: OKC sits at 26-4 after the defeat.

Recent form: Three losses in the last five games signal a small slide.

Historic chase: To match the pace of the 73-win Warriors, Oklahoma City would need an 11-game streak now.

Coaching moves and tactical takeaways

Rotation choices and late-game strategy drew scrutiny after the blowout. The Spurs exploited mismatches and punished turnovers.

San Antonio’s ball movement produced open shots at critical junctures.

OKC’s late substitutions failed to stop runs or change momentum.

Defensive communication broke down in transition and on pick-and-rolls.

Upcoming slate: Quick turnaround and chance for revenge

The Thunder get Christmas Eve off and return on Christmas Day. They will face the Spurs again, offering an immediate chance to respond.

Holiday break gives a short window for recovery and adjustments.

Expect possible lineup tweaks to protect legs and reduce turnovers.

A win in the rematch would help restore momentum before the new year.

Thunder’s all-time wins record teeters after falling again to Spurs

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