Without De’Aaron Fox or Dylan Harper, Spurs succumb to Thunder ball pressure
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The San Antonio Spurs lost Game 2 of the Western Conference finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-113, with the series now tied 1-1, despite missing key players like Dylan Harper and De’Aaron Fox due to injuries.
- Harper attempted to return after a right leg injury but was pulled back by the training staff, highlighting the Spurs' depth issues as turnovers plagued their offense, with 20 turnovers for the second straight game.
- Stephon Castle, the Spurs' primary point guard in Fox’s absence, struggled under intense Thunder defensive pressure, committing nine turnovers and facing constant ball pressure from Cason Wallace.
- The Thunder’s defense, led by Wallace and Isaiah Hartenstein, effectively disrupted the Spurs’ offensive flow, especially by pressuring Victor Wembanyama and forcing turnovers in crucial moments.
- The Spurs face significant injury concerns heading into Game 3, with Fox’s status uncertain due to an ankle sprain and Harper dealing with leg discomfort, putting pressure on the team to improve defensively and find consistency to compete.