Spurs slap aggressive new label on Thunder after Christmas Day slaughter

The Spurs have done it. San Antonio has now beaten the once-perceived unstoppable Oklahoma City Thunder three times within just two weeks. This has undoubtedly made Christmas a whole lot better.

It has become crystal clear that this Spurs team not only has enough to beat OKC, but they have more than enough. Out of any team in the NBA, the Silver and Black hold the most disruptive combination of players that can handle the Thunder. The formerly dominant team looked frustrated and annoyed by everything the Spurs threw at them.

The Spurs have the winning formula for the Thunder

Mitch Johnson and his Spurs have the Thunder all figured out. Both the game plan and the construction of talent are the perfect counter to OKC. It's cliché, but the Spurs are truly their kryptonite.

One strategy that strongly stood out during this match was Mitch Johnson's decision to play Victor Wembanyama on Alex Caruso. The move left the Frenchman on his own in the paint, able to muddle up everything that came his way. Meanwhile, as the Thunder were forced into pulling threes, Caruso was bricking everything. The undrafted veteran shot a horrific 2/12 from three.

It wasn't easy for anyone else on Mark Daigneault's squad either. Funneled through their star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder offense struggled mightily once again. SGA was held to 7/19 from the field, and the rest of their big three were held to a combined 22 points.

With the Spurs' immense size and athleticism, the Thunder have met their match. When you take away the easy baskets from OKC, their offense turns to dust. San Antonio forced their opponent to sling threes all game to no avail. It has become increasingly apparent that the Thunder don't have the shooting to combat the Silver and Black defense.

San Antonio's offense has no problem penatrating OKC's defense

Like clockwork, the Spurs offense thrived. The star of the show on Christmas was De'Aaron Fox. With the ice still in his veins, the Swipa found his way against a plethora of strong Thunder defenders. Fox continuously found his spots and made difficult shots. Most impressively, the point guard only turned the ball over one time against a team known for their forced turnovers.

Fox wasn't the only guard who excelled; Stephon Castle has extended his excellent play with yet another superb showcase. The second-year guard delivered seven gift-wrapped assists, easily making his way around the OKC defense. Those exaggerated defenders over in Oklahoma City got nothing on the Spurs guards.

Lastly, Victor Wembanyama was quiet in the box score but undeniably essential. Unlike in previous years, the big man is looking for winning plays rather than forcing shots. Along with the rest of his squad, Vic was extremely unselfish and only took the most efficient shots.

From top to bottom, there is so much to love with this squad. With three wins over the Thunder, the Spurs are officially official. There's no more waiting for this team; the future is now. They are finals-ready. The playoffs are a different game, but there is no denying that this new era has OKC's number.