The Spurs Held Oklahoma City to 33% Shooting in a Dominant Game 4 Win at Frost Bank Center
Something had to give. The Spurs hadn’t loss three consecutive games all season while the Thunder were undefeated on the road this postseason.
Thst war of wills was won by the Spurs and the Western Conference Finals are officially back on track following the Spurs 103-82 Game 4 victory at the Frost Bank Center. The loss marks the first postseason road loss for the defending champion Thunder.
Sunday’s matchup was essentially a must win for the Silver and Black. The team responded accordingly, dominating the Thunder from the opening tip. Unlike in Game 3 in which the Spurs opened the game on a 15-0 run but ultimately lost by the same margin, the Spurs were able to maintain the energy and cruised to victory.
No Groove for the Thunder
The Thunder were never able to get into a groove as the Spurs defense held the normally high octane Thunder offense to a season low 38 points in the first half. That’s tied for its second-lowest half in the past four regular and postseasons. The Thunder are 2-9 when they score less than 40 points in any half over the last five seasons.
The Spurs held the Thunder to 33% shooting from the field, including 6 for 33 on 3-pointers (18%).
Turnovers Finally Swing in San Antonio’s Favor
Another key in the victory was that the Spurs were able to win the turnover battle. Turnovers have been one of the teams Achilles heels this season but highlighted this postseason. The team forced Oklahoma City into 20 turnovers resulting in 25 points for the Silver and Black while only committing 13 themselves.
It was a balanced attack from an offensive standpoint for the Spurs. V-Dub led the effort with 33 points including 22 in the first half. He added eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks to round out his stat line.
De’Aaron Fox had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds with five assists. Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell added 13 points each.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a quiet night. He finished with 19 points on 6-for-15 shooting for the Thunder. The recently anointed MVP sat out the entire final stanza.
The Spurs bench play has also been a source of contention this series. Going into Game 4 the Spurs reserves had been outscored 183-64. After being outscored 76-23 in bench points in Game 3, the Spurs reserves scored 30 points while holding Oklahoma City to 34.
Series Shifts Back to Oklahoma City Tied 2-2
It is now a best of three as the series now shifts back to Oklahoma City knotted at two games apiece after each team secured a road win.
Up Next:
Game 5 @ OKC
Tuesday, 5/26 @ 730pm
NBC/Peacock
Series tied 2-1
