The San Antonio Spurs claimed their first victory in the Emirates NBA Cup Tuesday night, holding off a late surge by the Oklahoma City Thunder to win 110-104.
Despite missing franchise centerpiece Victor Wembanyama and rising star Devin Vassell for the second consecutive game, the Spurs delivered a gritty performance at AT&T Center, with Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes leading the charge.
Keldon Johnson poured in 22 points, and Harrison Barnes added 20, including three crucial three-pointers, as San Antonio broke a five-game winless streak in the NBA Cup. Veteran point guard Chris Paul chipped in 14 points and 11 assists, punctuating his performance with a clutch three-pointer late in the fourth quarter that extended the Spurs’ lead to nine with just over a minute remaining.
The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 32 points and Jalen Williams’ 27, mounted a furious rally in the final frame, closing the game on a 27-12 run. However, Oklahoma City’s comeback bid fell short, as they failed to score in the final minute.
One of the defining moments came on the defensive end for San Antonio. Spurs rookie Stephon Castle, who finished with 10 points and eight assists, made a game-sealing block on Gilgeous-Alexander’s layup attempt with 22 seconds remaining, preserving the Spurs’ six-point lead. Castle’s poise in critical moments continues to impress, offering a glimpse of his potential impact as the season progresses.
San Antonio’s offense found its rhythm in a decisive 25-3 run that spanned the second and third quarters. The surge, highlighted by Johnson’s one-handed dunk and a step-back three-pointer shortly after, electrified the home crowd and turned a narrow deficit into a commanding 74-58 lead. Johnson’s ability to dominate in both transition and half-court settings has solidified his role as the team’s offensive anchor in Wembanyama’s absence.
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The Spurs’ defense, which had struggled in prior games, stepped up against a potent Oklahoma City offense. After forcing 13 first-half turnovers, San Antonio maintained pressure, limiting the Thunder’s ball movement in key stretches. The Spurs also neutralized Oklahoma City’s interior presence, a crucial adjustment with Chet Holmgren sidelined due to a fractured hip.
Harrison Barnes showcased his versatility, notching his best performance of the season. His timely scoring, including a trio of three-pointers, kept the Thunder at bay when the game tightened in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Paul’s veteran savvy was on full display, as his late-game three-pointer, just before the shot clock expired, proved to be the dagger.
The Spurs’ depth continues to be tested with Wembanyama nursing a bruised knee and Vassell dealing with soreness in his left knee. Yet, their ability to rally without their top stars suggests growth for a team that struggled in the opening rounds of the NBA Cup.
For the Thunder, the loss marked a missed opportunity. Their defense forced 20 total turnovers, but inconsistency on offense and failure to capitalize on late-game possessions left them short. Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance, the Thunder’s execution faltered in the closing moments, particularly after Castle’s pivotal block.
This win could mark a turning point for the Spurs in the NBA Cup, as they embark on a three-game homestand. With Utah next on the schedule, San Antonio will look to build on its momentum and solidify its standing in group play.
The Thunder, on the other hand, will have little time to regroup, as they return home to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Despite the setback, Oklahoma City remains a formidable contender, led by Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistent brilliance.
As the NBA Cup heats up, this matchup highlighted the importance of depth, adaptability, and clutch performances. For San Antonio, their first victory in the tournament could be the spark they need to turn their season around.