The San Antonio Spurs suffered a crushing 98-119 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. This result sends the defending champions hurtling toward the Houston Rockets next.
Victor Wembanyama dismissed the hostile environment despite hearing specific profanity from the stands during the blowout. The French phenom claimed the atmosphere actually improves his competitive mindset.
Wembanyama noted during the post-game conference, “This is what makes us better, obviously more than a team that would ignore me.” He laughed off hearing just one obscenity directed at him, “I hear the booing. I heard one f— you, but it was just one, you know what I mean?”
The Rockets must now prepare for a Thunder squad that neutralized Wembanyama’s defensive impact. The center finished with 17 points and 7 rebounds on 46.7 percent shooting.
MORE: Kevin Durant's salty 'propaganda' shot at Suns trade talk vanishes from X
Victor Wembanyama outplays Chet Holmgren
Wembanyama defensively stifled Chet Holmgren, holding the Thunder forward to just 8 points. Holmgren struggled significantly, shooting a dismal 25 percent from the field on 4 attempts.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson praised his star’s composure amid the manufactured villain narrative. He believes the young center handles external pressure without expending unnecessary energy.
Johnson stated, “I think he embraces all of it appropriately without putting too much energy or overdoing it.” This maturity provides a solid blueprint for future opponents to follow.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander torched the Spurs for 34 points to secure Oklahoma City's 34th win. The Rockets, known for their strong home defense, face this exact perimeter threat Thursday night at Toyota Center against a high-scoring guard.
The Thunder enter Houston carrying a 4-game winning streak and significant offensive momentum. Houston must replicate the perimeter dominance Alex Caruso displayed or risk a similar blowout.
More NBA news:
- Giannis boos Bucks fans right back after they boo him
- LeBron is breaking the NBA's aging curve
- Wemby can break a Guinness World Record
- Jazz 1st-round pick had worst plus-minus in NBA history
- Joel Embiid is putting together a 'miracle'
- Joe Mazzulla answers every press conference question with same 2 words