The Thunder endured their worst scoring display in years, logging a brutal 103-82 Game 4 loss to the Spurs. Thunder star Gilgeous-Alexander did not mince words about their offensive struggles, Yankee Scores reports…
The Oklahoma City Thunder was not just at the best in game 4.
The Early Stagnation
Over eight minutes into Sunday’s Game 4, the only points the Thunder managed were courtesy of floaters by Isaiah Hartenstein, who plays center.
After Hartenstein’s stint ended, all the other players from Oklahoma City could not manage to score due to the defensive prowess of the Spurs.
The game ended with the scoreline reading 103-82, and the series tied at 2-2.
“They just punched us in our face early,” said Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who finished with 19 points on 6-of-15 shooting. “I think they just did a good job of being the aggressors. They were in us — forcing turnovers, being physical.”
The Injury Snowball Effect
The Thunder’s offense had a horrendous game, especially after suffering two injury setbacks that saw starters Jalen Williams (left hamstring) and Ajay Mitchell (right calf) go down for the game.
For the Thunder, this marked their lowest point scoring output below 82 since December 2, 2021, when they scored 79 in a 73-point thrashing against the Memphis Grizzlies.
This is also the lowest-scoring performance of any team with an NBA-best regular-season record in the playoffs since the Spurs held the Heat to 77 in Game 3 of the Finals way back in 2013.
In addition, Oklahoma City struggled mightily from the field (33 percent overall, 18.2 percent on threes) and committed 20 turnovers, which San Antonio capitalized on for 25 points.
“I thought we left a lot to be desired on that end of the floor tonight,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “We didn’t have the sharpness, force or precision necessary to crack them. They were really good defensively. Just their energy, their physicality.”
“Two of our handlers, our creators are out, but guys are good off the ball, and we played a fair amount of games this year with no handlers,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “So, we’re a little bit used to that. But I mean, regardless, I think it’s just a snowball effect. I think when you come out with the right energy, things like that work out and the offense has flow. And I don’t think we came out with the right energy today.”
“We have to trust each other,” Holmgren said. “We have to use each other to help find cracks, help get good looks. If one or two don’t go down, we can’t lose trust.”
