The San Antonio Spurs stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder with a nail-biting 111-109 victory on December 13, 2025, securing their spot in the NBA Cup final! This game was more than just a win; it was a statement. Victor Wembanyama's return from a 12-game absence proved to be the spark the Spurs needed.
Wembanyama, who had been sidelined due to a strained left calf, wasted no time making his presence felt. He finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds, earning 'M-V-P' chants from the crowd. His impact was undeniable, boasting a plus-21 rating in just 21 minutes of play. But here's where it gets interesting...
The Thunder, before this game, were on a remarkable run. They had only lost one game since November 5th and were riding a 16-game winning streak. Their record stood at an impressive 24-2, second only to the Golden State Warriors' 25-1 start in the 2015-16 season. This loss marks the second consecutive year the Thunder have fallen short in the Las Vegas final, having lost to the Milwaukee Bucks last year.
Devin Vassell added 23 points for the Spurs, while De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle each contributed 22 points. For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 29 points, and Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams each scored 17.
Wembanyama's return was carefully managed with a minutes restriction, but his influence was immediate. Even with the Spurs trailing at halftime, Wembanyama's plus-minus rating was an impressive +20 in just seven minutes of play. The Spurs rallied in the second half, using a 13-point run to close the gap before halftime and a 10-point run in the third quarter to take the lead.
This game highlighted the Spurs' resilience and the Thunder's vulnerability.
What do you think about Wembanyama's impact on the Spurs? Do you believe the Thunder's winning streak was a fluke, or will they bounce back stronger? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
