Ultra important victory for the Thunder which won 102-90 on the Spurs floor since Josh Giddey’s teammates temporarily recovered 10th place in the Western Conference, synonymous with “play-in”. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander absent, the Thunder made the difference between the end of the 1st quarter and the start of the 2nd with a 14-2 to lead 36-19. At the heart of this “run”, an unleashed Ousmane Dieng against a Spurs defense that was far too permeable on penetrations and fast play.
Despite the efforts of its veterans like Zach Collins, Devonte’ Graham and Doug McDermott, the Spurs will never manage to come back in front. Back from the locker room, Collins equalized with a superb 3-pointer (59-59), but the Thunder answered with a 10-0 with Lu Dort and Giddey to answer him from afar (69-59).
In a meeting marked by a lot of clumsiness, in shots and passes, OKC will take shelter with a last “run” in the middle of the 4th quarter signed Dario Saric and Jalen Williams (90-75).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
OKC in the Top 10. The defeat of the Lakers against the Knicks is a delight for the Thunder, which finds the Top 10 with the same record: 33v-35d. The Jazz and the Pelicans also have the same record, and each success is essential.
The carnage at Spurs. Already deprived of Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan and Tre Jones, San Antonio lost Malaki Branham in the second quarter. Gregg Popovich tried to tinker, and it was above all his veterans (McDermott, Graham, Collins…) who were up to it.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅⛔ Jalen williams. There is some waste in his shot selection, but the rookie is very interesting with his combination of power and creation. Whether for passes on the ground in the small perimeter or crosses on set play, the winger has a very good vision of the game.
✅ Ousmane Dieng. The X factor of the match, and the French offered a new personal best with 17 points but also 8 rebounds. In confidence, his aggressiveness is tenfold compared to the start of the season.
✅ Zach collins. Spurs’ best player, and he finished top scorer, rebounder and assist in his squad. His 3-point address hampered the Thunder.
⛔ Blake Wesley. Nightmare evening for the 3rd Spurs leader who finished 1 out of 12 on shots.
THE FOLLOWING
San Antonio (17-52) : reception of the Magic on Tuesday evening.
OKC (33-35) : reception of the Nets on Tuesday evening.
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