Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren ‘Excited’ About Spurs’ NBA Cup Loss

After that Oklahoma City Thunder lost to Victor Vembanyama and San Antonio Spurs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren put the NBA Cup elimination game into perspective after their two-point loss (111-109). Coach Marc Daigneault is credited with the efforts of Wembanyama and Spursoutscoring the Thunder after the opening frame, where three starters and Victor scored 22+ points.

After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander is eager to learn from lossand believes his teammates look at the loss through a similar lens, as a way for the Thunder to improve, he said, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon

“Personally, I think it’s exciting,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It’s easier to learn when you don’t feel the way you want. It stings a little more.”

“We’re also going to see these guys (twice in the next five) games. So it’s going to be a good challenge. Kind of like an automatic test, almost like in school. If you fail a test, you have to retest it a few days later. That’s probably how it’s going to feel. Losing is where you grow and where you really get better.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will face the Spurs two more times between now and Christmas, including on the road on Dec. 23.

“We can’t be spoiled,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “We can’t think we’re above everything. We, along with every team in the league, if you show up one night and don’t do what it takes to win, you’re probably not going to win, no matter how talented you are or no matter what your record looks like. That was the case with us tonight.”

Chet Holmgren says he’s “eager and excited” to watch film after the loss and figure out how to address the deficiencies the Spurs have revealed. It’s a teachable moment for the defending champion.

Marc Daigneault on Victor Wembanyama, Spurs

Thunder coach Mark Denot reacted to Victor Vembanyama and the Spurs’ two-point win that handed the defending champions their second loss of the season. Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 29 points.

After the loss, Daigneault talked about Vembanjama and Spurs battle throughout the game.

“Huge, obviously. It has a big two-way impact,” Daigneault said. “Obviously, blocking the rim. He’s a problem on the glass and he was certainly early. Then he got into a rhythm offensively, made some really tough shots down the stretch. So credit to him and to them. They played really well without him for parts of the game, though. I didn’t think it was isolated to them.”

“It was a great team win for them – they won as a team. A lot of their guys played well, but he certainly had an impact on the game.”

The Thunder will host the Clippers on Thursday.