OKC Thunder versus Spurs – Battle of two developing clubs
Key matchup:
The Spurs have a number of young developing stars such as Keldon Johnson (22), Lonnie Walker (22), Devin Vassell (21), and Jakob Poeltl (26). This group plus 25-year old Dejounte Murray form the core of the Spurs roster.
Because this group plays under Popovich any of this quintet can lead the scoring on any given night but it’s Murray who is clearly the leader of the group. Murray was drafted by the Spurs in 2016 and developed in the program. This is his fifth active year in the NBA having missed one season due to a torn ACL.
Much like Thunder fans are enjoying witnessing the ascension of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the Spurs fan base is equally invested in Dejounte Murray.
He’s registering career highs in points (18.4), rebounds (8.1), assists (8.2), and steals (2.1).
As SGA took over in the match in LA, Murray had a similar impact in the Spurs’ most recent win posing a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and a block. Murray shot 9 of 16 from the field, 1 of 2 from deep, and 1 of 1 at the line.
The Spurs guard is a threat to record a triple-double in every match and should be the main emphasis of the OKC Thunder defense. If the squad has to choose, encourage Murray to shot (the longer range the better) and limit his passing lanes.
| Season | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | 2P | 2PA | 2P% | FTA | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | 38 | 8.5 | 1.3 | 3.1 | .431 | 0.2 | 0.6 | .391 | 1.1 | 2.4 | .441 | 0.8 | .700 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 3.4 |
| 2017-18 | 81 | 21.5 | 3.3 | 7.5 | .443 | 0.1 | 0.4 | .265 | 3.2 | 7.1 | .454 | 1.8 | .709 | 5.7 | 2.9 | 1.2 | 8.1 |
| 2018-19 | Did | Did | Did | Did | Did | Did | Did | Did | Did | Did | Did | Did | Did | Did | Did | Did | Did |
| 2019-20 | 66 | 25.6 | 4.5 | 9.7 | .462 | 0.6 | 1.7 | .369 | 3.8 | 8.0 | .481 | 1.7 | .798 | 5.8 | 4.1 | 1.7 | 10.9 |
| 2020-21 | 67 | 31.9 | 6.6 | 14.5 | .453 | 0.9 | 3.0 | .317 | 5.6 | 11.6 | .488 | 2.0 | .791 | 7.1 | 5.4 | 1.5 | 15.7 |
| 2021-22 | 9 | 34.3 | 7.7 | 16.8 | .457 | 1.4 | 4.0 | .361 | 6.2 | 12.8 | .487 | 2.3 | .714 | 8.1 | 8.2 | 2.1 | 18.4 |
| Career | 261 | 23.8 | 4.3 | 9.5 | .452 | 0.5 | 1.5 | .335 | 3.8 | 8.0 | .475 | 1.7 | .756 | 5.5 | 3.8 | 1.3 | 10.4 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 11/7/2021.
Another similarity between the clubs is they both drafted young point guards and surprised many with their picks. We’ve learned that Josh Giddey was a player several teams were interested in (Raptors, Warriors) so his selection isn’t really that surprising.
But the Spurs’ selection of 18-year-old (he’ll turn 19 in December) Canadian Joshua Primo with the 12th pick shocked many analysts. It’s not that much of a stretch for the Spurs who like to develop players often looking for talents with high ceilings.
When San Antonio traded George Hill to get Kawhi Leonard no one was thinking Leonard would develop into the player he became. The thinking is Primo could become another standout similar to the success the Spurs had with Tony Parker. He’s 6’6 and possesses great skills.
It’s not likely we’ll see him play today but remember his name in the coming seasons.