The San Antonio Spurs face a massively important Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. Either they head back to Oklahoma with the series tied at two games apiece, or they return with elimination looming over their heads.
After winning the series opener 122-115 in double overtime, the Spurs lost back-to-back games for the first time this postseason: a 133-122 loss in Game 2 and a 123-108 defeat in Game 3.
A major part of the Spurs’ struggles has been injuries to key players and a lack of finishing ability ultimately costing them. In Game 3, San Antonio knocked down just 13 of its 41 attempts from beyond the arc, while Oklahoma City’s bench completely dominated the second unit battle with a massive 76-23 scoring advantage.
The Spurs’ bench combined for 23 points, while Jared McCain alone scored 24 points off the Thunder bench, with the rest of the reserves adding another 52 points.
The Spurs will need to cool down the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder offense like they did in Game 1. San Antonio will also need a big performance from Stephon Castle, and he should respond after performing below his usual standards over the last two games. With De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper not being 100% healthy, much of the ball-handling responsibility falls on Castle’s shoulders, and the young guard will need to step up.
Victor Wembanyama, who had a rare off night in Game 3, will also need to up the ante. He finished with 26 points on 8-of-15 shooting but grabbed just four rebounds. In Games 1 and 2 combined, however, he pulled down 41 rebounds.
The Thunder have perfectly capitalized on San Antonio’s weaknesses, and those flaws were fully exposed in Game 3. If the Spurs can respond better and slow down the game with their physicality, they can absolutely win this matchup. It will be a tight Game 4, as the Thunder could improve on their 10-1 playoff road record and put the Spurs in a difficult spot heading into Game 5. However, the Spurs have not lost back-to-back home games this postseason. They have also played well against the Thunder overall, winning the regular-season series 4-1. The Spurs should look to establish a physical tone early and build a lead they can maintain for the remainder of the game.
Thunder vs Spurs Injury Reports Game 4 WCF
Thunder Injury Report
The Thunder have listed two players on the injury report. Sophomore guard Ajay Mitchell, who aggravated a calf strain in Game 3, is ruled out. Meanwhile, Jalen Williams is listed as questionable.
Spurs Injury Report
Surprisingly, the Spurs have no players on the injury report. Many expected De’Aaron Fox, who was limping in Game 3, and Dylan Harper, dealing with right adductor soreness, to be game-time decisions. However, both are expected to be good to go for the crucial Game 4.
Thunder vs Spurs Starting Lineups and Depth Charts For Game 4 WCF
Thunder Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | SG: Lu Dort | SF: Alex Caruso | PF: Chet Holmgren | C: Isaiah Hartenstein
| PG | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Jared McCain | Nikola Topic |
| SG | Alex Caruso | Cason Wallace | Aaron Wiggins |
| SF | Luguentz Dort | Jalen Williams* | Isaiah Joe |
| PF | Chet Holmgren | Kenrich Williams | |
| C | Isaiah Hartenstein | Jaylin Williams |
Spurs Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
PG: De’Aaron Fox | SG: Stephon Castle | SF: Devin Vassell | PF: Julian Champagnie | C: Victor Wembanyama
| PG | De’Aaron Fox | Dylan Harper | |
| SG | Stephon Castle | Keldon Johnson | Lindy Waters III |
| SF | Devin Vassell | Carter Bryant | |
| PF | Julian Champagnie | Harrison Barnes | Kelly Olynyk |
| C | Victor Wembanyama | Luke Kornet | Mason Plumlee |
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