Thunder offense collapses as Spurs even West finals at 2-2
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SAN ANTONIO — The Oklahoma City Thunder endured their poorest scoring night in nearly five years on Sunday, falling to the San Antonio Spurs 103-82 in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals. The series is now tied 2-2 and shifts to Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Tuesday.
The Thunder managed only a handful of early floaters by center Isaiah Hartenstein during the first eight minutes and never found a consistent option afterward. They shot 33.0% from the field, 18.2% from three-point range and surrendered 20 turnovers that turned into 25 Spurs points.
“They hit us first,” guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said after finishing with 19 points on 6-for-15 shooting. “They were physical, forced turnovers and set the tone.”
Historical low for league’s best regular-season team
Oklahoma City had not scored fewer than 82 points since Dec. 2, 2021, when a then-rebuilding roster was held to 79 in a record 73-point defeat at Memphis. According to ESPN, Sunday’s total marks the lowest playoff output by a team that finished with the NBA’s best record since the Spurs limited the Miami Heat to 77 points in Game 3 of the 2013 Finals.
Key creators sidelined
The Thunder were without two principal playmakers: Jalen Williams (left hamstring soreness) and Ajay Mitchell (right calf strain). Head coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the offensive struggles, noting, “We lacked the sharpness, force and precision required to break them down. Their energy and physicality were excellent.”
Spurs defense leads the way
Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama blocked three shots, highlighted by an early rejection of Chet Holmgren’s dunk attempt. Rookie guard Stephon Castle shadowed Gilgeous-Alexander most of the night, holding the two-time MVP to 2-for-6 shooting when matched up and contesting nearly every look. Gilgeous-Alexander committed four turnovers, and his teammates went 7-for-18 off his passes.
Holmgren contained again
Holmgren, named to the All-NBA third team before tip-off, contributed 10 points on 3-of-8 shooting and matched that total with turnovers. After averaging 18.6 points on 60% shooting in sweeps of Phoenix and Los Angeles, the second-year center is down to 11.3 points on 46.9% in this matchup. “We have to trust each other,” Holmgren said. “Missing a couple shots can’t break that trust.”
Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday night at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Source: ESPN
