Spurs gain experience, lose Game 5
Oklahoma City 127, San Antonio 114
Thunder lead series, 3-2
Experience isn't a prerequisite for screaming success, but it helps to understand what job you're scheduled for. The Spurs thought they had an idea of what Game 5 would feel like and it turns out the Spurs had no clue. Now the Spurs will shoot basketballs for San Antonio's season in Game 6.
Oklahoma City defined the terms early in Game 5 and the Spurs failed to respond. There was pushing and prodding and pulling from Oklahoma City and only rarely did the Spurs try the same things the Thunder did. The visitors too often spoiled defensive possessions with fouls because the Spurs thought their legs could move but only the arms managed to, and that's mostly illegal.
The defending champs proved early that securing tight corners and space-saving efficiency on screening – shit the Spurs did in Game 4 – encouraged the referees to blow whistles, reward aggression. San Antonio responded with less rewardable aggression than San Antonio's hosts, reducing lob attempts for Victor Wembanyama. Wemby reduced himself too often in a road Game 5, the first of his career.
OKC's offense relied on team movement, resulting in expanse significant enough for the star to step into his role. San Antonio never managed as clean and simple a baton handoff.
Because they've never done it before.
