The Oklahoma City Thunder have learned their first efectivo challenger after their 117-102 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. The Christmas Day game told the NBA world it won’t be a cakewalk for the reigning NBA champion to go back-to-back.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled with 22 points and six rebounds. Jalen Williams only had 12 points and six assists. Chet Holmgren had 10 points and 12 rebounds.
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Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama had 19 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. De’Aaron Fox scored an efficient 29 points. Stephon Castle had 19 points and seven assists.
Let’s look at some of the best photos from the Thunder’s 15-point loss to the Spurs:
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander laughs with an assistant coach during warms ups before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) drives between Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) and center Chet Holmgren (7) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs autographs for fans before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder mascot plays a bass drum before the start of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; A close up view of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s shoes during warms ups before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) moves the ball around San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) drives to the basket beside Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) goes to the basket as San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet (7) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson screams during a time out against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) smiles after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) drives to the basket beside Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) shoots a three point basket as San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder mascot, Rumble the Bison, waves a giant team flag during team introductions before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) moves the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson and Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gesture to their teams during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) shoots as San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs fans cheer for their team against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) moves the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) celebrates after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) is defended by San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) on a drive during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures to his team as they play against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) celebrates after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; A San Antonio Spurs fan holds signs at the end of a game between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) and center Luke Kornet (7) celebrate at the end of the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) moves the ball across the court against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs fans cheer for their team against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) celebrates during a time out against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) celebrates after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) is defended by San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) on a drive during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) drives to the basket beside San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) reacts after a play against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs drives around Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Oklahoma City Thunder flag during a break in play in the second half of the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket around Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs passes the ball around Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder rebounds during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket between Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after a play during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: De’Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: An Oklahoma City Thunder fan wears a Christmas hat prior to the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder protects the ball during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder signs autographs prior to the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball over Luke Kornet #7 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: NBA Christmas board court side prior to the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – DECEMBER 25: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball over De’Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Paycom Center on December 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Photos: Best images from Thunder’s 117-102 loss to Spurs
