They say beating a team three times in a row is difficult. As we’ve seen over decades of playoff series, beating them four times in a row is even more rare. Sweeps aren’t something that happens all of the time, especially against historically good teams. In many ways, it shouldn’t surprise fans that the San Antonio Spurs were dominated by the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-98. After the Spurs defeated them thrice before New Year’s Eve, OKC was looking for its revenge, and it got it.
What is more concerning is that this Spurs team has simply not looked the same since Christmas. Call it hubris from defeating the league’s best team three times in a short stretch, call it a slump, or diagnose the issues stemming from injuries, call it whatever you want – this team has looked poor, going 4-6 in their last 10 games. Against mediocre teams, it looks like close games that the Spurs should have won by double-digits. Against elite teams like OKC, it looks like a blowout where nothing works for a whole half.
San Antonio’s offense is broken right now. They are too isolation-heavy and can’t hit three-pointers. The ball movement and transition offense that thrilled fans early in the season is essentially non-existent this month. Fortunately, their defense has remained one of the best in the NBA. Without it, this stretch could look much worse. Against a team like the Thunder, you have to be nearly perfect on both ends. Shooting 40% from the field and getting outscored 56-40 in the paint won’t get it done.
Now, San Antonio gets to go home for three games. Three winnable games against the Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Utah Jazz. It’s time for this team to get back on track and start building momentum so they can get even with OKC in their next and final regular-season matchup on February 4th.