Thunder frame loss to Spurs as a test, not a problem

The Thunder had not lost in more than five weeks, so Saturday was unfamiliar territory. It was also, in their view, useful.

Oklahoma City’s streak ended with a narrow loss to San Antonio, but the reaction afterward was more about reflection than frustration, as written by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. Rather than dwell on the setback, the Thunder framed it as a moment to recalibrate.

“Personally, I think it’s exciting,” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It stings a little bit more. Losing is where you find growth and where you really get better.”

Gilgeous-Alexander pointed out that the two teams will see each other again soon, calling it an immediate chance to respond.

“You fail the test, you get to retest a couple days later,” he said. “That’s what it will probably feel like.”

The loss came despite Oklahoma City having its regular starting lineup available for the first time since winning the championship in June, MacMahon notes. The Thunder built a 16-point lead late in the second quarter before allowing the Spurs back into the game, eventually falling by two.

Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 29 points but was candid about his role in an offense that stalled at key moments. He committed a season-high five turnovers and said complacency cannot creep in.

“We can’t be spoiled,” he said. “If you don’t do the necessary things to win, you probably won’t win, no matter what your record looks like.”

For a team that had grown accustomed to momentum, the message was clear. The loss hurt. The response matters more.