Spurs Beat Thunder 116–104, Take 4–1 Season Series Advantage
The Spurs once again defeated the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder 116-104 last night at the Frost Bank Center. The victory gives the Spurs a 4-1 advantage over the reigning champs on the season series.
The Thunder rolled into the River City severely undermanned with only eight players available for action. The team was without their entire starting lineup as well as two key bench players in Alex Caruso and Ajay Mitchell. Last year’s MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is dealing with an abdominal injury and will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Despite being extremely short handed, the Champs did not lay down. Trailing by as many as 22 points (52-30) in the second quarter, the Thunder were able to stay connected and cut the lead to four (104-100) late in the fourth quarter. It wasn’t enough however as the cream eventually rose to the top.
KJ, a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year, led the Spurs with 25 points and six rebounds in 29 minutes off the bench. It was his fifth game with 25+ points off the bench this year. V-Dub for his part was 9-16 from the field and 1-2 from three and finished the night with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks.
De’Aaron Fox had 15 points and 10 assists for the Silver and Black while rookie forward Carter Bryant matched a season high with 11 points as the Spurs won their second straight.
Kenrich Williams led the way for the Thunder with 25 points and nine rebounds on 9-18 from the field and 4-7 from long range. Reserve Jaylin Williams had a career high 25 points and 12 rebounds for the shorthanded Thunder.
Key Stats:
- Outrebounded Oklahoma City 63–46, including an 18–9 edge on the offensive glass
- Dominated the paint, outscoring the Thunder 56–26
- Shot 12-of-20 from the free-throw line (60%)
With the win the Spurs close the gap and move to within five games of the Thunder as we approach the All-Star break. The stars lined up for the Silver and Black last night in other ways as the third place Nuggets lost on the road in double-overtime to the Knicks 134-127.
The Spurs (34-16) now hold a two game lead over Denver (33-19) to maintain the second place spot.
Up Next:
@ Dallas (19-31, 12th place)
Tonight, Thursday 2/5 @ 730pm
