Full Breakdown
Spurs Upset Thunder to Reach NBA Cup Final
12/15/2025, 2:07:58 AM
Thunder's Winning Streak Ends
In a thrilling semifinal matchup of the Emirates NBA Cup, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-109, halting the Thunder's franchise-record 16-game winning streak. This loss marks only the second defeat for Oklahoma City, which now holds a 24-2 record, the second-best start in NBA history, trailing only the Golden State Warriors' 25-1 record in 2015-16.
Victor Wembanyama's Impactful Return
Victor Wembanyama made a significant return to the Spurs after missing 12 games due to a left calf strain. Coming off the bench for the first time in his career, Wembanyama scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds in just 21 minutes of play. His presence was felt immediately, as the Spurs outscored the Thunder by 21 points during his time on the court. Wembanyama's performance included 15 points in the fourth quarter, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Game Dynamics
The Thunder started strong, leading 31-20 after the first quarter. However, the Spurs rallied back, closing the first half with a 13-0 run to narrow the gap. San Antonio took control in the third quarter, fueled by a 10-0 run that shifted the momentum in their favor. Despite a late surge from the Thunder, including a strong performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 29 points, the Spurs held on for the victory.
Official Statements & Responses
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the Spurs' strong performance, stating, “They played a really good game... There’s a lot we can work with from that game from a process standpoint.” Wembanyama expressed the significance of the win, saying, “Winning against a team like this... It’s not an easy thing. It’s only their second loss of the season. It means something.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the loss, some analysts pointed out that the Thunder's shooting struggles contributed to their defeat. They finished the game shooting just 41% from the field and a dismal 24.3% from three-point range, hitting only 9 of 37 attempts. This performance raised questions about their ability to maintain their early-season dominance.
What's Next
The Spurs will face the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup final on Tuesday night. The Knicks secured their spot by defeating the Orlando Magic 132-120 in the other semifinal. This matchup will be crucial for both teams, as they vie for the championship title and a cash prize of over $530,000 per player.
Conclusion
The Spurs' victory over the Thunder not only signifies a pivotal moment in their season but also highlights the potential of a young team that has rapidly improved. With Wembanyama back in the lineup, San Antonio is poised to make a significant impact as they head into the final against the Knicks.
