Spurs Overcome Shorthanded Thunder In Gritty Western Clash

The Oklahoma City Thunder rolled into Frost Bank Center on February 4, 2026, facing the San Antonio Spurs for the fifth time this season, but this matchup was anything but ordinary. With a depleted roster and just eight players available, the Thunder’s resilience was put to the test against a surging Spurs squad that has become a true Western Conference threat.

Entering the night, the Thunder boasted the NBA’s best record at 40-11, fresh off a commanding 128-92 victory over the Orlando Magic. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led that charge with 20 points and nine assists, while Isaiah Hartenstein claimed his first career triple-double. Yet, the euphoria in Oklahoma City was short-lived. A wave of injuries had crashed over the roster, sidelining Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain), Chet Holmgren (back spasms), Hartenstein (eye corneal abrasion), Jalen Williams (hamstring strain), Lu Dort (patellofemoral joint inflammation), and several others. The situation forced head coach Mark Daigneault to reach deep into his bench, starting Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams, and Jaylin Williams.

Meanwhile, the Spurs entered the contest at 33-16 and riding high after a 112-103 win over Orlando. Victor Wembanyama had dazzled with 25 points and eight rebounds in that game, and the rookie phenom was primed to be a focal point yet again. San Antonio’s own injury woes lingered, with Stephon Castle (adductor tightness), Dylan Harper (ankle soreness), and Kelly Olynyk (foot soreness) all questionable, while Jeremy Sochan and Lindy Waters III were definitively out. Still, the Spurs’ depth and home-court advantage set the stage for a clash that would test both teams’ mettle.

The betting world took note of Oklahoma City’s shorthanded situation. After opening as a slight favorite, the Thunder quickly became 9.5-point underdogs as the injury report grew. The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulated the game 10,000 times, predicted a combined score of 230 points and gave the over a 65% chance of hitting. The odds reflected the uphill battle for OKC, with the moneyline at +310 for the Thunder and -400 for the Spurs.

From the outset, San Antonio seized control. The Spurs jumped to a 39-26 lead after the first quarter, exploiting the Thunder’s lack of defensive anchors. Aaron Wiggins did his best to keep things close, tallying 10 points and an assist in the opening frame, while Jaylin Williams contributed seven points and four boards. Brooks Barnhizer, thrust into a larger role, chipped in with two points and three assists early on. Still, the Thunder’s makeshift lineup struggled to contain the Spurs’ offensive rhythm.

By halftime, the Spurs extended their advantage to 73-58. Wembanyama, ever the matchup nightmare, continued to deliver timely baskets, while Keldon Johnson came off the bench firing, finishing with 25 points. The Thunder’s offense kept pace, shooting 45% from the field and 41% from deep at the break, but the defensive gaps were glaring. Wiggins led OKC with 16 points and three assists at the half, and Jaylin Williams added 10 points and six rebounds. Barnhizer, showing flashes of playmaking, had eight points and five assists. But without their usual core, the Thunder just couldn’t slow San Antonio’s attack.

Despite the deficit, Oklahoma City refused to back down. The third quarter saw Jaylin Williams hit the 20-point mark, ultimately finishing with 24 points and 12 rebounds—an impressive double-double for the young forward. Kenrich Williams, shouldering a heavy load, poured in 25 points and nine rebounds, his best performance of the season. Wiggins, who had stepped up as the Thunder’s go-to scorer, ended the night with 20 points and six assists, earning praise for his grit and determination. “Wiggins has stepped up as OKC’s best scorer,” read a live update, highlighting his off-dribble prowess and leadership on a night when the Thunder needed it most.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Thunder trailed 95-85. The Spurs’ depth continued to shine, with De’Aaron Fox orchestrating the offense and Wembanyama providing crucial rim protection. The Thunder, running on fumes, kept the margin within reach thanks to timely threes and hustle plays. But the lack of bench depth—only eight players dressed—proved too much to overcome in the final stretch.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Spurs had secured a 116-106 victory, outlasting Oklahoma City’s valiant effort. The loss dropped the Thunder to 40-12, but there was no shame in their performance. Playing the second night of a back-to-back, missing 10 players from their standard roster, and facing one of the league’s hottest teams on the road, OKC gave San Antonio all it could handle. “Good effort by OKC, which only had eight players available,” one recap noted, capturing the spirit of a team that simply refused to quit.

For the Spurs, the win was another statement in a season that has seen them evolve from dark horse to legitimate contender. Wembanyama’s impact was undeniable, and Keldon Johnson’s scoring punch off the bench provided a crucial spark. Fox’s steady hand at point guard and the contributions of the supporting cast—despite their own injury concerns—underscored San Antonio’s depth and adaptability.

Beyond the final score, the night was marked by roster moves and future implications. Earlier in the day, the Thunder had traded Ousmane Dieng and a 2029 second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for veteran center Mason Plumlee, only to waive Plumlee for roster flexibility following the acquisition of Jared McClain. The flurry of transactions reflected Oklahoma City’s commitment to both short-term competitiveness and long-term planning.

Looking ahead, the Thunder’s schedule doesn’t get any easier. They’ll host the Houston Rockets on February 7 before embarking on a daunting road trip to face the Lakers and Suns. The hope is that some of their injured stars can return soon, bringing much-needed reinforcements as the playoff race intensifies.

For now, though, Oklahoma City can take pride in its resilience. Even in defeat, the Thunder showed the heart and hustle that have defined their remarkable season. As for the Spurs, the win keeps them firmly in the hunt atop the Western Conference—a testament to their own perseverance and emerging star power.

In a season full of twists, injuries, and unexpected heroes, this showdown in San Antonio proved that even when the odds are stacked, the Thunder won’t go down without a fight. And with both teams eyeing deep playoff runs, don’t be surprised if their paths cross again when the stakes are even higher.