OKC Blue’s Winning Streak Ends Amid Spurs’ Three-Point Onslaught
The OKC Blue arrived in Austin with momentum on their side, having just secured three consecutive victories to level their season record at .500. However, their hopes for a fourth win were dashed as they succumbed to the Austin Spurs, falling 106-100 in a closely contested matchup that snapped their longest winning streak of the year. This game marked the first leg of a unique baseball-style series between the two teams.
Continued Improvement Under New Leadership
Despite the loss, the Oklahoma City Blue showcased noticeable improvements in their gameplay, a testament to the influence of new head coach Daniel Dixon. The team displayed a balanced offensive attack, with six players reaching double figures in scoring, and every player who took the court contributed to the score sheet. In a defining moment, the Blue mounted a fierce comeback in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Spurs 33-23, reinforcing their season-long mantra of relentless effort.
Shooting Struggles and Rebounding Woes
While the Blue excelled in minimizing turnovers—winning that battle 17-13—their rebounding struggles proved to be a key factor in their defeat. The Spurs dominated the boards, finishing with a 52-46 advantage in rebounds. A significant disparity emerged in free-throw shooting as well; the Spurs converted 70% of their attempts from the line, while the Blue managed only 53%.
Standout Performances Despite the Loss
Oklahoma City Thunder assignee Brooks Barnhizer delivered a noteworthy performance, recording a double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. He flirted with a triple-double, also contributing a steal and three blocks while shooting 40% overall. His proficiency from beyond the arc was evident as he hit 2-of-4 attempts.
Another player making waves was former NBA First Round pick Dariq Whitehead, who added 17 points off the bench. Whitehead complemented his scoring with three assists and three rebounds, showcasing his shooting skills by going 4-for-9 from three-point range and 6-for-13 overall. Malevey Leons, who had a brief stint with the Thunder last season, also impressed, contributing 15 points, five rebounds, and an astounding five blocks while shooting 50% from the floor.
Impact of Player Absences
Both teams faced challenges with notable absences. The Spurs missed former Thunder two-way guard Adam Flagler, while the Blue were without Buddy Boeheim, Jazmin Gortman, and Payton Sandfort. Barnhizer was the only two-way player assigned for this game, with Chris Youngblood and Branden Carlson remaining with the varsity squad on Friday night against the Phoenix Suns.
Looking Ahead
As the Blue prepare for their next challenge, they will face the Austin Spurs once more on November 30, looking to avenge this defeat and regain their winning momentum. Following this matchup, the team will enjoy a brief respite before returning home for a highly anticipated nine-game homestand that begins on December 4 against the Osceola Magic, extending through the month of December and into the early days of January.
