Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admits Spurs’ superiority after three consecutive losses
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
An admission of superiority that hurts
The losing streak continues for the Oklahoma City Thunder against the San Antonio Spurs. For the third time in two weeks, the reigning champions fell to the Texas team, this time in front of their home crowd on Christmas Day. A loss that pushes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a harsh reality check.
A brutal fall for the champions
The reigning MVP didn’t look for excuses after this latest setback. Unusually off with 7/19 shooting and bothered by San Antonio’s defense, Gilgeous-Alexander was particularly candid in his press conference.
« We have to be better as a group. You don’t lose three times in a row against a team in a short time if that team isn’t better than you, » explained the Thunder star to the media. « We have to get better and everyone on the team needs to look in the mirror if we want to reach our ultimate goal. »
This series of losses marks a turning point for Oklahoma City, which had an almost perfect record before facing the Spurs. The Thunder, now 26-5, was indeed 26-2 against all other NBA teams.
Just two weeks ago, the Thunder seemed destined to achieve the best regular season in NBA history with a 16-game winning streak. Since that matchup with the Spurs, it’s four losses in six games tarnishing the champions’ run.
« You don’t lose three times in a row against a team without them being better than you. »
– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after OKC’s 3rd loss to San Antonio pic.twitter.com/4UJE6CJRsq
— Basket-Infos (@Basket_Infos) December 26, 2025
« It’s like a playoff series, » commented Victor Wembanyama about these three matchups. « We learned a lot tactically but I don’t want to say too much. Keeping some things to ourselves. »
For Jalen Williams, the Thunder rushed against the defensive intensity of the Spurs: « When you want to win so badly, you lose yourself. And in that case, every possession feels like a prayer, when we should be sticking to our offensive principles. »
This losing streak reveals the Thunder’s limits when pushed to the brink. Against San Antonio’s physical defense led by Wembanyama, Oklahoma City struggles to create advantages and generate good shooting positions, particularly from 3-point range where the team only shot 11/44 in the last game.
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