Unc & Ocho STUNNED after Wemby & Spurs CROWNED KINGS of the WEST after SGA CHOKES GAME 7 | Nightcap
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Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7, becoming the Western Conference champions.
- ❖Victor Wembanyama's performance was pivotal, outplaying OKC's bigs in the final two games of the series.
- ❖Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed significant fatigue in the fourth quarter, leading to missed shots and an airball.
- ❖Chet Holmgren took only two shots in 33 minutes, indicating a lack of aggression and confidence in a critical game.
- ❖Spurs' role players like Champagnie (20 points, 6-10 from three) and Keldon Johnson were crucial contributors.
- ❖Luke Kornet's block on Hartenstein was hailed as a game-changing play and one of the best defensive plays in Spurs history.
- ❖The physicality of the game was high, with referees allowing more contact, which favored the Spurs.
- ❖Veteran leaders like Bismack Biyombo and Kelly Olynyk provided invaluable mentorship to the young Spurs roster.
- ❖Harrison Barnes had a 'quadruple zeros' performance in his limited minutes, highlighting a veteran's struggle.
Insights
1Wembanyama's Dominance Over OKC's Bigs
Victor Wembanyama consistently outplayed OKC's primary big men, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, especially in the crucial final two games. This individual dominance was a key factor in shifting the series momentum in San Antonio's favor.
The host states, 'If Wemby outplays both of their bigs, they can't win this series. The last two games, he's done a number on them.'
2Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Fatigue and Ineffectiveness
Despite a strong start, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's legs were 'gone' by the fourth quarter, leading to poor shooting and an inability to create offense. His heavy minutes without adequate rest contributed to his late-game struggles.
The host tweeted, 'Shai's legs are gone,' noting he played 43 minutes and resorted to drawing contact, with his last shots being 'way way off.' Joe also mentioned Shai's airball three-pointer due to fatigue.
3Chet Holmgren's Offensive Passivity
Chet Holmgren's extreme lack of offensive aggression was a major liability for the Thunder. Taking only two shots in 33 minutes, he failed to be a scoring threat, allowing the Spurs' defense to focus elsewhere.
One host exclaims, 'Chet Chet took two shots, Joe!' and later, 'How in the hell Chet homie played 33 minutes, bro? You mean to tell me he only get two attempts?'
4The Impact of Veteran Leadership on Young Spurs
The presence of experienced players like Bismack Biyombo and Kelly Olynyk provided invaluable mentorship and leadership to the young Spurs roster, helping them navigate high-pressure playoff moments and fostering team belief.
The host highlights Bismack Biyombo's role: 'Bismack Biyombo ain't played and given them anything but leadership... He's been the mentor that he's needed.' They also praise Kelly Olynyk for similar contributions.
5Spurs' Collective Bench and Role Player Contributions
Beyond Wembanyama, the Spurs received significant contributions from their bench and role players, who stepped up in crucial moments with scoring and defensive plays, demonstrating the team's depth and collective belief.
Keldon Johnson was 'huge tonight.' Champagnie hit 'those threes in the fourth quarter' (6 for 10 from three, 20 points). Dylan Harper hit 'big threes' and played like a seasoned veteran.
Notable Moments
Luke Kornet's game-changing block on Hartenstein's breakaway.
This block prevented OKC from cutting the lead to two points, stifled their momentum, and directly led to the Spurs extending their lead to seven, effectively swinging the game's outcome. It was called the 'player of the game' and the 'block of the Spurs history'.
Quotes
"I told you what the Spurs were going to do. Both of y'all had the Thunder winning. Man, nonsense."
"If Wemby outplays both of their bigs, they can't win this series. The last two games, he's done a number on them."
"There has never been a block in Spurs history that's going to be comparable to that one. They're going to be talking about this for years and years to come."
"When you got Champennie and and Vassell, you know, playing the way they played, Champennie making shots six for 10 from three, 20 points, six rebounds, bro, that's a plus."
"Bismack Biyombo ain't played and given them anything but leadership... He's been the mentor that he's needed."
"You can't make no shots if you don't take any."
Q&A
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