Why Jaylen Williams “doesn’t care” about the Spurs rivalry
OKLAHOMA CITY — After defeating Victor Vembanyama and San Antonio Spurs — 119-98 — for the first time in four times this season, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams weighed in on the ongoing debate about the NBA’s new rivalry. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander insinuated the Spurs care more on beating the Thunder than the defending champions did on avenging three losses in a 12-day span in December.
Williams says it’s not up to him to decide who the new Thunder is they are rivalsbut if it’s a question being discussed in NBA circles, chances are it’s not, he said during his postgame media availability.
“You guys control the rivalry thing – we don’t really care,” Williams said. “The rivalry thing, if you have to ask, probably not yet.”
Jaylen Williams on whether Spurs and Thunder are NBA rivalry: “You control the rivalry thing – we don’t really care…
The rivalry stuff, if you have to ask, probably still isn’t” pic.twitter.com/PvSePG4LKm
— Joshua Pavon (@joe_svai) January 14, 2026
Jalen Williams finished with 20 points, three assists and two steals against the Spurs. Gilgeous-Alexander led five Thunder players in double figures with 34 points, including Alex Caruso, who led the bench with 13 points. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 20 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, and Victor Wembanyama added 17 points, seven rebounds and one block.
Did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander take a shot at the Spurs?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and The Thunder were on the edge 4-0 in their season series against the Spurs. After beating the Spurs for the first time this season, Gilgeous-Alexander suggested Tuesday’s matchup meant more to his opponent but for the defending champion, he said, according to NBC/Peacock.
“Tonight wasn’t our Super Bowl. It wasn’t anything (other than) another game in an 82-game season,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
SGA took a shot at the Spurs 👀
“Tonight was not our SUPER BOWL.” pic.twitter.com/Ie2tRsbMjO
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) January 14, 2026
The Thunder improved their NBA-best record to 34-7, 20-2 at the Pike Center as the Spurs, with the second-best record in the Western Conference, fell to 27-13.
2026-01-14 07:13:00
