Spurs fall to Thunder in opener

The San Antonio Spurs lost their first game of the season 104-116 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in a highly anticipated match-up. The game was marked by a high-energy atmosphere and strong performances from both teams.

Thunder dominate with Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with a standout performance, scoring 32 points. His scoring helped Oklahoma City establish control early and maintain a strong lead throughout the game.

Wembanyama struggles offensively

Victor Wembanyama, returning to the court after an absence, faced significant challenges. He scored only 12 points on 1-for-13 shooting, including 0-for-4 from three-point range, marking one of the worst shooting performances of his career.

Wembanyama's limited impact

Beyond scoring, Wembanyama's impact was minimal, with only 13 rebounds and 6 blocks in 34 minutes. His first 12 shot attempts were all missed, and he scored his only basket in the final seconds of the third quarter, an alley-oop from De'Aaron Fox.

Tense altercation disrupts game

A tense moment in the second quarter saw De'Aaron Fox receive a level 1 flagrant foul for throwing Chet Holmgren to the ground. This led to a scuffle involving Wembanyama and Jaylin Williams, resulting in four technical fouls issued to four different players.

Thunder extend lead after altercation

Following the incident, Oklahoma City went on a 9-0 run and later extended their lead with a 13-0 run, taking a 26-point lead into halftime. The Spurs made a late push in the second half but could not overcome the deficit.

Spurs' strategy criticized

Spurs' coach Mitch Johnson faced criticism for his strategy, which involved starting the game with Wembanyama as the sole interior player. This approach made San Antonio's attacks predictable and limited Wembanyama's effectiveness.

Spurs look to Houston for rebound

The Spurs will face the Houston Rockets next, a team that lacks the size of Oklahoma City. Wembanyama has previously performed well against Houston, scoring over 25 points in two games last season, which may provide a more favorable matchup for him.