Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder: 5 keys to victory over the San Antonio Spurs

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) is fouled by Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert (: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) is fouled by Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert (: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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OKC Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reacts after sinking a basket against the New York Knicks. Mandatory Credit: Seth Wenig/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports /

OKC Thunder chalkboard note 5 – Match the Spurs discipline

Following the fundamental tangent – this team protects the ball because of their commitment to the system and team.

Not surprisingly they rank first for the fewest turnovers with only 10.8 per game. Consequently, they also rank first for the fewest points scored off turnovers (12.2).

Regardless of tenure within the franchise or chronological age, each individual is disciplined and that is reflected by another key fact — they don’t foul. San Antonio ranks fourth committing an average of 17.8  per game which equates to opponents getting to the line 19.1 timers per game (the sixth-fewest).

Ultimately, if the Thunder want to add to the win column the most important game note is for them to be more disciplined than the Spurs.

In closing:

Aside from the chalkboard preparation, there are numerous mouth-watering matchups to look forward to.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dejounte Murray have similar styles and shapes although SGA is the primary scorer. Keldon Johnson is a youngster to keep an eye on in a very similar vein to Darius Bazley. And, the veteran bigs Aldridge and Horford could put on an old school show.

Sam Presti cut his teeth in the Spurs organization and much of the culture that exists in OKC is either borrowed or was hatched as he grew within that franchise.

These meetings have offered some of the best moments in franchise history. Now with both clubs featuring so much youthful rising talent, they seem on a similar path to the future.

All stats courtesy of basketball reference or NBA Stats.

Game specifics:

Records:

  • Thunder: 5-4
  • Nets: 5-5

The Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena

Tipoff:  8:00 PM ET  | 7:00 PM CT

TV: Fox Sports  Oklahoma | NBA League Pass

Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC

Odds:

Injuries:

With the rise in COVID-19 cases on the rise NBA teams are experiencing an increase as well. That’s creating more postponements as teams must also isolate the players they identify through contact tracing.

So far, luckily the OKC Thunder and Spurs haven’t experienced a breakout and their injury list is relatively small.

More from Thunderous Intentions

Thunder:

  • Ty Jerome (ankle) – out indefinitely
  • Trevor Ariza (personal) out indefinitely

Spurs:

  • Devin Vassell is nursing a sore left knee and is questionable
  • DeMar DeRozan missed the last game to address a family matter and isn’t expected to play Tuesday.
  • Drew Eubanks (health/safety protocols) is questionable for Tuesday.
  • Derrick White is healing from a fractured toe and expected back in February.
  • Quinndary Weatherspoon is out indefinitely with a knee injury.

History:

The teams have played each other 174 times in regular-season history with the Spurs having a 96-78 advantage. Last season the teams each won twice in the four games they played.

Enjoy the game and check back tomorrow for grades and three takeaways.

Next. Thunder among leaders in NBA offseason Power Rankings. dark

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