NBA DAILY RECAP: Spurs beat Thunder anew

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SAN Antonio is a puzzle that defending champion Oklahoma City still cannot solve as the Spurs continued their dominance over the Thunder by scoring a 117-102 victory on Friday (Philippine time), Dec. 26.

With the 15-point romp, the streaking Spurs have defeated the same Thunder team in the past two weeks. San Antonio also prevailed over Oklahoma in the NBA Cup semifinals last week. The two Western Conference top teams will meet again on Jan. 14.

Victor Wembanyama collected 19 points and 11 rebounds and Stephon Castle tallied 19 points and seven assists for the Spurs, who stayed within striking distance with the West-leading Thunder.

Despite the loss, the Thunder remained at No. 1 spot in the West with a 26-5 (win-loss) record. The Spurs, who have won their last eight games, are at close second with 23 wins and seven losses.

Oklahoma’s five losses this season were dealt by San Antonio.

Scoring at least 20 points for the 102nd consecutive game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 22 points but made just seven of his 19 attempts from the field in the loss.

Isaiah Hartenstein added 13 points and 12 rebounds and Chet Holmgren had 10 points and 12 rebounds.

In other games, the Houston Rockets nipped the LA Lakers, 119-96, the Golden State Warriors routed the Dallas Mavericks, 126-116, the New York Knicks escaped the Cleveland Cavaliers, 126-124, while the Denver Nuggets thumped the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime, 142-138.(CCM)