Thunder's 16-game winning streak halted with their second loss of the season! Vembanyama returns as Spurs have four players scoring 20+ in NBA Cup final

On December 14 Beijing time, during the NBA Cup semifinals between the Spurs and the Thunder, Vembanyama returned but was not in the starting lineup, playing off the bench for the first time in his NBA career. After four quarters, the Spurs edged the Thunder 111-109, giving the Thunder their second defeat of the season and stopping their 16-game winning streak. For the Spurs, Vembanyama scored 22 points with 9 rebounds, Vassell had 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, Kessler contributed 22 points and 6 rebounds, and Fox added 22 points and 4 assists; for the Thunder, Alexander posted 29 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, Holmgren had 17 points and 7 rebounds, and Jalen Williams recorded 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals.

In the first quarter, the Thunder immediately showed their offensive strength with Holmgren, Alexander, Hartstein, and Dort taking turns scoring, going on a 14-4 run to take the lead. Both teams then exchanged baskets, keeping the margin around 10 points. Kelton and Kessler hit consecutive three-pointers, cutting the Spurs' deficit to single digits. At the end of the quarter, Mitchell made free throws, and the Thunder led the Spurs 31-20. In the second quarter, Vembanyama entered and quickly scored 2 points inside the paint. The Spurs hit two three-pointers from outside, narrowing the gap to single digits. After an 8-0 run by the Thunder, the Spurs responded with a small scoring run of their own. At halftime, the Spurs trailed the Thunder 46-49.

At the start of the second half, both teams played steadily without much excitement. After Kessler hit a three-pointer, the momentum shifted. Fox scored on a floater, Vassell made a precise shot, and the Spurs not only took the lead but also forced a Thunder timeout. After the break, Alexander drove and scored, putting the Thunder back in front. Near the end of the quarter, Vassell hit a three-pointer and Fox made free throws, giving the Spurs a 78-77 lead over the Thunder again. In the final quarter, Vembanyama immediately blocked a shot by Holmgren, sparking a 7-2 run that extended the Spurs' lead. Wallace and Caruso hit consecutive long-range shots, tying the game. Caruso impressed with a powerful dunk, Kessler responded, and the lead changed hands multiple times. In the decisive moments, Vembanyama's rim protection gave the Spurs the advantage. The Thunder's fouling strategy failed, and the Spurs ultimately won 111-109, advancing to the Cup final.

Starting lineups for both teams:

Spurs: Fox, Kessler, Vassell, Barnes, Cornette

Thunder starters: Alexander, Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Hartstein