The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a powerful statement of their championship credentials on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 (Philippine Time), by decisively defeating the San Antonio Spurs 118-98. This victory served as sweet revenge for the Thunder, who had lost their three previous meetings with the Spurs earlier in the season.
A Decisive Third Quarter Run Seals the Game
The first half saw a back-and-forth battle between the two Western Conference contenders. However, the game's momentum shifted entirely in the third quarter. The Thunder unleashed a devastating 11-0 run that gave them their first double-digit lead. Although the Spurs managed to cut the deficit to just four points, Oklahoma City responded immediately with another crushing 12-0 run, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental in this period, scoring 15 of his game-high 34 points in the third quarter alone. His performance underscored why the Thunder remain the team to beat in the NBA, solidifying their overall league leadership with an impressive 34-7 record.
Key Performances and Statistical Highlights
Beyond Gilgeous-Alexander's dominance, the Thunder received balanced scoring. Jalen Williams contributed 20 points, while Alex Caruso added 13. Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell each chipped in 11 points, demonstrating the team's depth.
For the Spurs, rookie Stephon Castle led the way with 20 points. French phenom Victor Wembanyama was held to 17 points, facing stiff defense from Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren in a much-anticipated matchup of young giants. De'Aaron Fox scored 14, Julian Champagnie had 13, and Dylan Harper finished with 12 points.
The loss marked a concerning trend for San Antonio, as it was their second consecutive defeat and their sixth loss in the last ten games. Notably, it was also the first time all season the Spurs failed to score at least 100 points, highlighting the effectiveness of Oklahoma City's defensive game plan.
Revenge and Repercussions in the West
This win was particularly significant for the Thunder, who exacted payback for losses to the Spurs on December 14 (111-109), December 24 (130-110), and December 26, 2025 (117-102). Since their last defeat to San Antonio, Oklahoma City has been on a tear, winning eight of their last ten games.
Despite the loss, the Spurs maintain their position as the second-place team in the Western Conference, though their record has slipped to 27-13. The game served as a clear reminder of the gap between the defending champion Thunder and their closest pursuers, setting the stage for a compelling second half of the NBA season.
