3 Thunder most to blame for shocking Game 4 no-show vs. Spurs

The Oklahoma City Thunder came into Game 4 with an edge over the San Antonio Spurs after winning Game 3, but they were not able to capitalize. The Spurs walked out with a dominant 102-83 win, and now it feels like they have the momentum as they head on the road for Game 4.

It was not the best game for the Thunder on either side of the ball, and it also looks like the injuries to Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell are catching up to them. Outside of those two injuries, there are a few things that went wrong for OKC in the game, and here they are.

Chet Holmgren has to step up

With Williams and Mitchell sidelined, the next person naturally to step up alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is supposed to be Chet Holmgren. There’s no question that he hasn’t had his best series, and it makes sense when looking at who his matchup is. At the same time, Holmgren knows that his teammates need him, regardless of who’s in front of him.

Holmgren finished Game 4 with 10 points and nine rebounds, and though it looks like he’s still making a difference on defense, it’s offense where he has to take it to another level. That didn’t happen in the last game.

3-point struggles

A big reason why the Thunder won Game 3 was due to their 3-point shooting. They shot 45%, and it was the bench that delivered in those moments. Unfortunately, the same did not happen in Game 4, as they shot 18% from deep as a whole. Jared McCain missed all five of his 3-pointers, Aaron Wiggins missed all four of his and Jaylin Williams shot 1-for-7.

Granted, the Spurs only shot 27% from 3, but they were better than the Thunder in almost every category.

The lack of creation is showing

The Spurs made the adjustment of not doubling Gilgeous-Alexander and staying home on their shooters, and the plan worked to perfection. The reason why is was so effective because the Thunder didn’t have anybody else on the floor to create any offense, which goes back to the absences of Williams and Mitchell. Those two were next in line as the players who can create for themselves while also making plays for others, but without them, all of the responsibility falls on one player.

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