Rapid Reaction: Spurs avoid losing streak, beat Thunder 121-112

The San Antonio Spurs put together one of their best games of the season and were able to come away with a 121-112 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

After dropping back to back games the San Antonio Spurs bounced back and put together one of their most impressive games of the season. LaMarcus Aldridge led the way for the Spurs, turning in a season-high 39 points in a 121-112 win over the Thunder.

Aldridge has been hot and cold this season but tonight he simply couldn’t miss. His 19 for 23 shooting performance was vintage Aldridge. San Antonio keyed in on him early and routinely went back to him in the post throughout the game. Once he had position it was over. The classic Aldridge fade away was money. LaMarcus was the leading scorer but it was a total team win, he wasn’t the only Spur to put together an impressive game.

San Antonio was constantly getting good looks. The ball was flying around and everyone was getting involved. Guys were constantly passing up good looks to make the extra pass and set up teammates. Nine Spurs players would end up tallying an assist. Dejounte Murray and DeMar DeRozan led the way with ten and nine assists, respectively.

Murray has put together several good games in his hot start to the season and this was one of his best. Still playing under a minutes restriction he was able to contribute 17 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. He did play 26 minutes, a season-high, but the Spurs staff determined to stick to their timetable for his return despite potential career milestones. Dejounte has the potential to put together a few triple-doubles this season it’s only a matter of time before he gets his first one.

The highlight of the night

HOW, @DejounteMurray?!? pic.twitter.com/iVa4QH62ve

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) November 8, 2019

The highlight of the night goes to Dejounte Murray who somehow got a shot to fall from almost on his back. He just chucked it up at the last minute and got it to drop right back in the net. He was great tonight, but this circus shot was one of the wildest parts of his evening.

Dejounte’s impact in transition continues to be one of the best parts of this Spurs team. Whether he gets a steal or a rebound, as soon as he touches the ball he’s flying up the court. That puts immediate pressure on the defense and results in more than a few easy buckets.

Game Notes

Trey Lyles had a quiet night but had the second-highest plus/minus rating on the team with +12. He made the right passes, grabbed offensive rebounds, and even got his outside shot going. He made one of his two three-point attempts in the game against Atlanta and connected on both tonight. His best basketball can still be in front of him if he can continue to hit shots from deep.

Murray was close to getting his first triple-double but DeMar DeRozan wasn’t too far away either. With 16 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds, DeRozan had one of his most well-rounded games of the year. He started out aggressive and gradually looked to pass more and more as Aldridge took control of the lead scoring role.

Were going to ask this question after seemingly every game but why in the world is Marco Belinelli getting as much playing time as he is? In 19 minutes he managed to hit one of ten shots and hardly looked like he was trying on defense. It’s so frustrating to see him continue to get as much time on the floor as he does. But it doesn’t look like Pop is going to go away from him any time soon.

It wasn’t a must-win game but it was close. This all-around team effort is encouraging to see and hopefully a sign of things to come. San Antonio will get the chance to string together back to back wins when they host the Boston Celtics on Saturday.