Thunder remind Spurs of their championship pedigree in statement-making opening win

SAN ANTONIO — It’s somewhat ironic that the Oklahoma City Thunder’s greatest display of strength came as their 7-foot center was flung to the ground by a man nearly a foot shorter, but rivalries are an inexact science. 

Three minutes into the second quarter, with Oklahoma City firing on all cylinders and the San Antonio Spurs seemingly unable to keep pace, the hosts’ discontent reached its apex. De’Aaron Fox wrapped up Chet Holmgren and dragged him to the floor, drawing a Flagrant 1. The ensuing scuffle earned technical fouls for all three of the Thunder’s Williamses: Jalen, Jaylin and Enrich. Fox and Victor Wembanyama, at the heart of the Spurs’ frustrations, had been wearing them openly all night.

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Wembanyama, who at that time had not recorded a made field goal, was being blitzed, bumped and bruised by Thunder hands and feet. Fox was visibly having a difficult time adjusting to a new lineup in a prime-time showing, logging the lowest usage of his career and finishing with an involvement near-identical to his rookie season. 

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At the heart of it, however, was a stubborn, veteran, championship group that looked more prepared, more ready for the moment. A stubborn, veteran, championship group that didn’t forget the high-fives, hugs and hurrahs from their sworn enemy on their home turf. A reminder that the Thunder, at full strength — regardless of departing pieces — are a force to be reckoned with. 

“I think our collective understanding of the opponent evolves over time,” head coach Mark Daigneault said following the 116-104 win. “Last year was the first year that San Antonio was on the scene the way they were — they had young players that were highly impactful. So it takes time to learn the opponent. We try to take lessons from last season, we played them a lot.”

The Thunder made life difficult for Victor Wembanyama, limiting the Spurs star to one made field goal in 13 attempts.

(Ronald Cortes via Getty Images)

Five months ago, two Western Conference titans clawed, scratched and fought over a grueling, exhilarating…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/thunder-remind-spurs-of-their-championship-pedigree-in-statement-making-opening-win-065441621.html

Author : Kelly Iko

Publish date : 2026-10-21 06:54:00

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