On Christmas Day, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-102 in a hotly contested battle between the top two teams in the West — their third meeting in less than two weeks.
Veteran guard De’Aaron Fox led the way with 29 points on efficient 12-for-19 shooting. Backcourt mate Stephon Castle added 19 points of his own, with Victor Wembanyama chipping in 19 points and 11 rebounds from the bench. Harrison Barnes and Dylan Harper combined for 27 points and nine rebounds.
Advertisement
Leading up to Thursday afternoon, the biggest storyline surrounding this matchup was whether the Spurs, having beaten the Thunder twice this season, were worthy of the “rival” label. But on an afternoon when San Antonio used a 17-4 run to eliminate an early eight-point deficit, took complete control of the game and limited Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 22 points on 19 shots for their third win over the champs inside of two weeks, it’s nearly impossible to shake the label now.
Jalen Williams finished the game with 12 points and 6 assists, Chet Holmgren had 10 and starting center Isaiah Hartenstein added 13 points and 12 rebounds. No other Thunder teammate finished with more than 12 points.
With the win, the Spurs have now won straight (not including the NBA Cup Final), firmly cementing them as the second -best team in the West — and true contenders heading into the new year.
Advertisement
San Antonio’s continued insistence on bringing Wembanyama off the bench has proven to be a tactical advantage, allowing their array of physical guards to set the tone before introducing the 7-foot-5 Frenchman. Oklahoma City found it difficult to find a suitable defensive approach to keep the Spurs out of the paint, despite an aggressive 2-3 zone. At the other end, Wemby’s presence forced the Thunder away from the rim but couldn’t convert on many of their open looks, shooting just 25 percent from deep. Key reserve Alex Caruso, who is shooting just 32 percent from 3 this year, missed 10 of 12 of his long-range shots.
The Thunder, who have now lost four out of six, must regroup quickly in their upcoming homestand against the 76ers, Hawks and Blazers to close 2025. Their next chance at a rematch with San Antonio will be Jan. 13.
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Broncos vs. Chiefs Week 17 Live Score, Updates: Denver Seeks Key Win on Christmas
The timing of this NFL Week 17 matchup falling on Christmas couldn't be more appropriate for quarterback Bo Nix and the Broncos (12-3), given what's at stake. Denver would position itself for the AFC West division title and the No. 1 seed with a win, a Chargers loss or tie, Patriots loss, Bills loss or tie and a Jaguars loss or tie; the club would lock up the division title with a win and Chargers loss or tie, or a tie and Chargers loss. As for the Chiefs (6-9), playing another meaningless game without Patrick Mahomes (torn ACL) will surely feel like an extra helping of coal in their stockings. Still, Andy Reid's squad will have a chance at Arrowhead to ruin Denver's holiday like the Grinch, and send the Broncos back home feeling like Scrooges. Follow along below for […]
Broncos vs. Chiefs prediction, odds: 2025 Christmas NFL ‘Thursday Night Football’ picks from proven model
The 2025 NFL Christmas schedule concludes with a "Thursday Night Football" AFC West battle of teams in a surprising position as the Kansas City Chiefs host the Denver Broncos. The Broncos (12-3) lead the entire AFC and are chasing a top seed and a bye in the NFL playoffs. Kansas City, meanwhile, has been eliminated from the playoff picture. Kansas City is starting Chris Oladokun at quarterback after losing Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew to knee injuries in consecutive weeks. Chiefs LB Nick Bolton (illness) is listed as questionable.Kickoff from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is set for 8:15 p.m. ET. The latest Broncos vs. Chiefs odds have Denver favored by 13.5 points, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Meanwhile, the over/under for total points scored is 38.5, which is a 2-point increase from opening at 36.5. Denver is […]
Vasco negocia venda da SAF para filho de dono da Crefisa
Vasco é próximo da família Lamacchia (Créditos: Divulgação redes sociais)Há cerca de 1 ano e meio desde a decisão da Justiça que tirou a 777 da gestão do Vasco, o clube voltou as suas atenções para a venda de seu futebol. Depois de muita especulação ao longo do ano em torno da Crefisa e de seu dono, José Lamacchia, seu filho Marco Faria Lamacchia aparece como principal interessado em adquirir a SAF do Cruz-Maltino. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEConforme informações do jornalista Lucas Pedrosa, do SBT, Marcos Faria Lamacchia tem 47 anos e é sócio de uma empresa de gestão financeira, que não tem vínculo com a empresa do pai e marido de Leila Pereira, presidente do Palmeiras. Segundo o site GE, Marcos tem o interesse e o entusiasmo de entrar no ramo da compra de um clube, utilizando o bom relacionamento do […]
Anthony Davis ruled out of Mavericks-Warriors Christmas game with right groin spasms
Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis left Thursday's Christmas matchup against the Golden State Warriors with a groin injury and didn't return.Davis ran to the sideline at the conclusion of a play in the first half and didn't return to the floor. The Mavericks ruled him out at halftime with right-groin spasms.The severity of the injury was not initially clear.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDavis tallied 3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 steal before he left the game. The Warriors extended a 40-36 second-quarter lead to 71-58 at halftime after his exit.Another injury for DavisThis injury for the 32-year-old Davis is the latest in a season and a career filled with them. Davis missed 14 consecutive games early in the season with a calf strain. He's now missed 14 or more games in 11 of his 14 NBA seasons.The Mavericks acquired Davis as the […]
Scorecard: Australia vs England, fourth Ashes Test, Melbourne
Total for -, from overs. Batting Runs Balls 4s 6s SR Yet to bat Fall of Wickets Bowling Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Econ
Ball-by-ball updates: England face Australia in fourth Ashes Test at MCG
Match summary England in Australia 4th Test / Day 1 of 5 / Melbourne Australia are scheduled to play England. Starting at 11:30pm.
Related
Broncos vs. Chiefs Week 17 Live Score, Updates: Denver Seeks Key Win on Christmas
The timing of this NFL Week 17 matchup falling on Christmas couldn't be more appropriate for quarterback Bo Nix and the Broncos (12-3), given what's at stake. Denver would position itself for the AFC West division title and the No. 1 seed with a win, a Chargers loss or tie, Patriots loss, Bills loss or tie and a Jaguars loss or tie; the club would lock up the division title with a win and Chargers loss or tie, or a tie and Chargers loss. As for the Chiefs (6-9), playing another meaningless game without Patrick Mahomes (torn ACL) will surely feel like an extra helping of coal in their stockings. Still, Andy Reid's squad will have a chance at Arrowhead to ruin Denver's holiday like the Grinch, and send the Broncos back home feeling like Scrooges. Follow along below for […]
Broncos vs. Chiefs prediction, odds: 2025 Christmas NFL ‘Thursday Night Football’ picks from proven model
The 2025 NFL Christmas schedule concludes with a "Thursday Night Football" AFC West battle of teams in a surprising position as the Kansas City Chiefs host the Denver Broncos. The Broncos (12-3) lead the entire AFC and are chasing a top seed and a bye in the NFL playoffs. Kansas City, meanwhile, has been eliminated from the playoff picture. Kansas City is starting Chris Oladokun at quarterback after losing Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew to knee injuries in consecutive weeks. Chiefs LB Nick Bolton (illness) is listed as questionable.Kickoff from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is set for 8:15 p.m. ET. The latest Broncos vs. Chiefs odds have Denver favored by 13.5 points, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Meanwhile, the over/under for total points scored is 38.5, which is a 2-point increase from opening at 36.5. Denver is […]
Vasco negocia venda da SAF para filho de dono da Crefisa
Vasco é próximo da família Lamacchia (Créditos: Divulgação redes sociais)Há cerca de 1 ano e meio desde a decisão da Justiça que tirou a 777 da gestão do Vasco, o clube voltou as suas atenções para a venda de seu futebol. Depois de muita especulação ao longo do ano em torno da Crefisa e de seu dono, José Lamacchia, seu filho Marco Faria Lamacchia aparece como principal interessado em adquirir a SAF do Cruz-Maltino. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEConforme informações do jornalista Lucas Pedrosa, do SBT, Marcos Faria Lamacchia tem 47 anos e é sócio de uma empresa de gestão financeira, que não tem vínculo com a empresa do pai e marido de Leila Pereira, presidente do Palmeiras. Segundo o site GE, Marcos tem o interesse e o entusiasmo de entrar no ramo da compra de um clube, utilizando o bom relacionamento do […]
Anthony Davis ruled out of Mavericks-Warriors Christmas game with right groin spasms
Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis left Thursday's Christmas matchup against the Golden State Warriors with a groin injury and didn't return.Davis ran to the sideline at the conclusion of a play in the first half and didn't return to the floor. The Mavericks ruled him out at halftime with right-groin spasms.The severity of the injury was not initially clear.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDavis tallied 3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 steal before he left the game. The Warriors extended a 40-36 second-quarter lead to 71-58 at halftime after his exit.Another injury for DavisThis injury for the 32-year-old Davis is the latest in a season and a career filled with them. Davis missed 14 consecutive games early in the season with a calf strain. He's now missed 14 or more games in 11 of his 14 NBA seasons.The Mavericks acquired Davis as the […]
Ball-by-ball updates: England face Australia in fourth Ashes Test at MCG
Match summary England in Australia 4th Test / Day 1 of 5 / Melbourne Australia are scheduled to play England. Starting at 11:30pm.
Scorecard: Australia vs England, fourth Ashes Test, Melbourne
Total for -, from overs. Batting Runs Balls 4s 6s SR Yet to bat Fall of Wickets Bowling Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Econ
Be the first to leave a comment