Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has emphasized throughout the season that his team values the process over the outcomes.
The game on Wednesday supported his belief. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points in 26 minutes, and the Oklahoma City Thunder easily defeated the San Antonio Spurs 127-89, who were missing Victor Wembanyama due to a right ankle injury. Additionally, key players Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan were also sidelined due to various injuries.
Despite the absence of key players on the Spurs’ side, Oklahoma City approached the game with their usual mindset. They quickly took control with an 11-0 lead as the Spurs struggled to score, leading to a 34-11 advantage for the Thunder by the end of the first quarter, marking the fewest points allowed by Oklahoma City in any quarter this season.
“I thought we showed focus and determination from the beginning of the game, both defensively and offensively, and maintained it throughout,” Daigneault commented. “The team did a commendable job tonight, playing according to our style and executing well, regardless of the score.”
Josh Giddey contributed 20 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, while Gordon Hayward added 18 points for the Thunder, who secured their third consecutive win and improved to 55-25.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich explained that Wembanyama’s absence was a precautionary measure due to his injury and didn’t provide a definite return date. Despite the setback, Zach Collins managed to score 20 points and grab seven rebounds for the Spurs.
With just three games left in the regular season, the Thunder is narrowly trailing behind the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference standings. However, Daigneault emphasized that their focus remains on playing well rather than obsessing over their position in the standings.
“We haven’t fixated on the standings all season, and we won’t start now,” Daigneault affirmed. “Our priority is to continue being the best team we can be, maintaining our performance until the end of the season.”
At halftime, the Thunder held a commanding 68-35 lead, limiting the Spurs to a low shooting percentage of 28.6% and capitalizing on their turnovers. Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey each contributed 18 points in the first half, marking a season-low for points allowed by the Thunder in a half this season.
