The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Christmas Day loss to the San Antonio Spurs marked more than just another defeat. It highlighted a troubling trend for the Thunder, a team that tied the NBA’s all-time best record through 25 games (24-1) and was recently tipped to surpass the 73-win 2015-16 Golden State Warriors.
Following a heavy 117-102 defeat, their third loss to the Spurs in just two weeks, star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a blunt assessment of the team’s struggles.
“We have to get better as group. You don’t lose to a team three times in a row in a short span without them being better than you,” said the reigning NBA MVP postgame. “We have to get better. Look in the mirror, and that’s everybody from top to bottom, if we want to reach our ultimate goal.”
The comments reflect both frustration and self-awareness, highlighting individual and collective responsibility. The Thunder’s record has slipped to 26-5, with four losses in their last ten games, while Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are now just 2.5 games back atop the Western Conference and rising fast.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Struggles, Spurs’ Tactical Edge
Gilgeous-Alexander had an off night offensively, totaling 22 points on 7-of-19 shooting and struggling from three-point range at 1-of-6. He added six rebounds, four assists, and one steal, maintaining his streak of 20-plus points in 102 consecutive games. Yet even his consistent production cannot fully offset the Thunder’s systemic issues.
The Spurs’ dominance this season has been clear. Each of the three matchups highlighted San Antonio’s ability to control pace, exploit mismatches, and maintain disciplined defense, forcing the Thunder into contested shots and turnovers.
On Dec. 13, the Spurs won a narrow 111-109 contest in their first meeting of the season, but the last two matchups have resulted in decisive blowout victories for San Antonio.
Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership, Oklahoma City has struggled to find cohesion, exposing cracks in both their defensive rotations and offensive execution. These losses raise questions about the Thunder’s ability to contend for back to back championships and whether adjustments can be made through the second-half of the season.
A Growing Rivalry and Looking Ahead
Victor Wembanyama remains on a minutes restriction and has been coming off the bench, after recently missing 12 consecutive games with a strained left calf. On Thursday, he still delivered 19 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in just 25 minutes, going 12-of-19 from the field and 2-of-3 from three.
Wembanyama has repeatedly bested Thunder center Chet Holmgren, who managed 10 points and 12 rebounds in the latest loss, intensifying a budding rivalry that promises to reshape the Western Conference.
Wembanyama recently downplayed the rivalry, claiming he is clearly superior. “No, I don’t think about that,” he said in French, per L’Equipe’s Maxime Aubin. “At least from a basketball standpoint, there’s no comparison (between us).”
The Christmas Day loss was magnified by its national spotlight, exposing both team identity and character under pressure. Gilgeous-Alexander’s call to “look in the mirror” shows the need for leadership and buy-in from the entire roster, highlighting that accountability will be key if the Thunder hope to respond.
The Thunder and Spurs are set to meet again on Jan. 13 in Oklahoma City, giving the Thunder an opportunity to respond and attempt to regain footing against a Spurs team that has repeatedly asserted dominance this season.
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