Spurs Crack the Code: How San Antonio Stunned the Reigning Champion Thunder Three Times

The San Antonio Spurs have solved a league-wide puzzle. They have beaten the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder three times in two weeks. The latest win was a decisive 117-102 victory on Christmas Day in Oklahoma City. This handed the Thunder their first home loss of the season.

This shocking streak has disrupted what looked like another dominant championship run. The Thunder started the year with a blistering 25-1 record. According to AP, their defense was historically strong. The Spurs’ unique success against them is now the biggest story in the NBA.

The Statistical Disparity is Staggering

The numbers reveal how completely the Spurs have flipped the script. Entering Christmas, the Thunder had the NBA’s second-best offense and its top-rated defense. They averaged 121.9 points per game and allowed just 107.

Against every other team, those figures are even more impressive. In 28 non-Spurs games, Oklahoma City averaged 123.8 points and gave up only 106.1. The contrast in three games against San Antonio is jarring. The Thunder averaged just 107 points on offense and surrendered 119.3 per game on defense.

This reversal is not due to a single superstar performance. No Spur has scored 30 points in any of these wins. The Christmas Day win was a full team effort, led by De’Aaron Fox’s 29 points. Victor Wembanyama controlled the glass with 11 rebounds, and Stephon Castle facilitated with seven assists.

A Collective Effort Outshines Individual Talent

The secret is unselfish, cohesive team basketball. The Spurs move the ball and defend as a connected unit. This approach has effectively neutralized Oklahoma City’s star-powered system.

Thunder MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged their opponent’s strength. He said the Spurs play the right way and play together. He admitted they have simply been the better team in all three meetings.

This presents a fascinating blueprint for the rest of the league. The Spurs have shown that disciplined, team-first basketball can challenge the champions. It raises questions about playoff strategies if these teams meet again. For now, San Antonio owns the mental edge in this growing rivalry.

The Spurs’ three wins have exposed a rare vulnerability in the champion Thunder. Their team-oriented formula has become the definitive kryptonite for Oklahoma City’s superteam aspirations this season.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How many times have the Spurs beaten the Thunder this season?

The San Antonio Spurs have defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder three times in the 2024-25 NBA season. All three victories occurred within a two-week span, including a Christmas Day win in Oklahoma City.

Q2: Why are the Spurs so successful against the Thunder?

Success stems from a collective team effort rather than individual heroics. The Spurs play disciplined, unselfish basketball on both ends, which has disrupted the Thunder’s typical offensive and defensive rhythm.

Q3: When do the Thunder and Spurs play next?

The next scheduled matchup is on January 13. This will give Oklahoma City its first chance to try and secure a win against San Antonio this season and stop the losing streak.

Q4: Has this hurt the Thunder’s standing in the West?

Despite the losses to San Antonio, the Thunder remain atop the Western Conference due to their incredible start. However, the losses have narrowed their lead and shown they are not invincible.

Q5: Did Victor Wembanyama dominate these games?

While impactful, Wembanyama did not post dominant individual scoring numbers. His contribution came through all-around play, including rebounding and defense, as part of the Spurs’ balanced attack.

Q6: Was the Christmas Day loss a blowout?

The final score was 117-102 in favor of San Antonio. The Spurs controlled much of the game, handing the Thunder their most convincing loss and first home defeat of the year.