Oklahoma City Thunder ready for NBA Cup finals clash after record-breaking start
The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the brink of a significant milestone as they gear up to face the San Antonio Spurs, looking to secure their spot in the NBA Cup finals. Scheduled for the late game, the Thunder’s matchup comes on the heels of the Eastern Conference showdown, where the New York Knicks triumphed over the Orlando Magic, 132-120. This victory allowed the Knicks to advance, with their starting lineup proving too formidable for the Magic, who fought valiantly despite the absence of star forward Franz Wagner.
New York’s starters showcased their prowess, with Jalen Brunson leading the charge, scoring an impressive 40 points and dishing out eight assists. He was supported by star center Karl-Anthony Towns, who added 29 points, while OG Anunoby contributed 24. Mikal Bridges chipped in 16 points, and Josh Hart rounded out the effort with a well-rounded performance of 12 points, six rebounds, six assists, and four steals. Despite a lackluster bench output of just 11 points, the Knicks secured a convincing double-digit win, improving their season record to 18-7.
The anticipation is palpable, as many analysts had predicted a potential NBA Finals face-off between the Thunder and Knicks, with both teams projected as top seeds in their respective conferences. However, before Oklahoma City can shift its focus eastward, they must first overcome the challenge posed by Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. Recent form suggests the Thunder will be favored; they currently boast a league-best record of 24-1, matching the historic 25-game start of the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who went on to achieve a record 73 wins that season with Stephen Curry leading the charge.
Oklahoma City’s defense has begun the season on a high note, and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is enjoying an even more impressive campaign this year, building on last season’s accolades. The Thunder are also at their healthiest, with starting center Isaiah Hartenstein returning from injury just in time for this crucial game against San Antonio. This matchup marks the first occasion this season that the Thunder will field their championship-winning starting lineup, with sharpshooter Isaiah Joe being the lone player listed on the injury report.
The Spurs, however, are not to be underestimated. They recently eliminated the Lakers, powered by their talented trio of De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper. Additionally, Wembanyama, who has been sidelined for 12 games due to a calf injury, is set to return tonight against the Thunder, adding another layer of intrigue to this high-stakes contest.
The Thunder and Spurs are scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. CT tonight, with the winner advancing to face New York in the finals on Tuesday, December 16, at 7:30 p.m. CT in Las Vegas. As the teams prepare for this pivotal encounter, all eyes will be on the court, where a historic season could reach new heights.
