Most of Spurs' frustrating Thunder woes trace back to one problem

Entering the 2025-26 season, nobody knew if the Spurs' three-headed guard rotation would work. Fast forward to the Western Conference Finals, and it's never been clearer how important that group is to everything San Antonio does. And they're compromised physically. The injuries to De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper came at the worst possible time, and the team is paying for it significantly.

Both guards suited up for Game 3, but Fox re-aggravated his ankle sprain, and the rookie never looked like himself, only playing 17 minutes. The lack of rim pressure was apparent, and the defense missed the lateral quickness those two provide. Without them, the Silver and Black are a completely different team.

The Spurs are at a major disadvantage with injured guards

"Next man up" is just something athletes and fans say in an effort to cling to the hope that they can overcome losing an important piece of the puzzle. Sometimes it works out, but many times, it does not, especially at this level. It's the conference finals, and the Spurs are going up against a defending champ with no shame in their game.

They're overly physical on defense and flop like crazy on the other end, but it's working for them, so they're not going to stop. Everything starts with their perimeter guys. They hound the opposing ball handlers like there's a cut of ribeye in their pockets. Their relentlessness earns them the benefit of the doubt with the referees, making the life of a playmaker extremely difficult.

San Antonio is one of the few teams that had the personnel to combat that. Having three guys who can break down defenses, pass, dribble, and shoot well enough to put pressure on the opponent's scheme poses a unique challenge for the Thunder. But when one or two of those players go down, everything slides back into OKC's favor.

Offense becomes more predictable, and their athletes shine because they can often recover quicker than you can break them down. Spurs Nation was furious about how the offense looked in Game 3. There were way too many possessions with guys standing around the three-point line. Too many ill-advised attempts from deep. Those things don't happen with a healthy Swipa and Harper.

Credit to those guys for getting into the lineup and giving the team all they had. They're warriors, and the fan base will respect and love them for it. It's just difficult to overcome the kind of intensity OKC plays with when your quick-twitch players can't use the very abilities that make them special in the first place.

Wembanyama must become the Spurs' answer

These guys were challenging and getting buckets over Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid in the second round. They would be doing the same to Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren if their bodies would allow them to. Scoring more also puts more pressure on OKC's offense. They know that San Antonio is playing with one hand tied behind their backs, and that allows them the mental space to play freely.

So, what's the fix? There isn't an easy one. Victor Wembanyama must rise to the occasion. Again, it's easier said than done. The Thunder are doing everything in their power to keep this man out of the paint, but he must find a way to impose his will in the middle. If he does, OKC will have to give more space to shooters, and maybe they can finally start to make them.

Guys need to step up when their teammates are hurt, but this isn't a "next man up" scenario. Wemby is the first man. Everything starts with him, and, win or lose, the series will end with him.

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