It’s hard to believe, but the upcoming Western Conference Finals are showing something unexpected. The team with Victor Wembanyama isn’t the one making all the moves. As they gear up for Game 4 at home against Oklahoma City, the stakes are high for San Antonio. While mathematically Game 4 isn’t a must-win, coming back from a 3-1 deficit is tough. Just ask the teams that have been there before; still, it’s a slim chance against the Thunder.
Wembanyama knows this reality. “We’re going to see what we’re made of,” he said after a tough loss in Game 3, where the Spurs jumped to a 15-0 start but ended up losing by 15 points.
Here’s what to watch for in Game 4.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in control
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, often called SGA, seems to be having a rough series at first glance. He scores only 26.7 points per game with a shooting percentage below 40%. But don’t be fooled; he’s running the show. He’s quick on his feet and reads defenses like a pro. The Thunder are getting good shots because of him.
His ability to draw defenders and set up teammates has been key. In Game 3, he had 12 assists with just two turnovers. For the series, he’s averaging 11 assists per game with a 2.3 turnover ratio.
The Spurs want to draw the ball away from Oklahoma City’s weaker shooters, but that strategy backfires. Players like Alex Caruso and Jaylin Williams can hit shots if they have time. SGA is excellent at finding open players and giving them a chance to score.
Non-Wembanyama minutes are a problem
Wembanyama’s impact is clear. In Game 3, the Spurs were plus four during his 39 minutes on the floor but lost the nine minutes he was off by 19 points. This trend has been consistent: the Spurs outperform when he’s on the court.
In the regular season, they could rely on their three-guard attack. But against such a strong defense, especially with two guards playing hurt, it’s tough. When Wembanyama sits, the Thunder ramp up their aggression. Coach Mark Daigneault cleverly keeps SGA on the court during these moments, allowing him to attack with fewer obstacles. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson needs to find a solution—perhaps a smaller lineup with Carter Bryant at center could help cut down the loss during these minutes.
Health Check Before Game 4
The injury report is lengthy and concerning. For the Thunder, Ajay Mitchell is out with a calf injury, suffered during a flagrant foul play. Jalen Williams is questionable for Game 4 with a hamstring issue. On the flip side, the Spurs enter Game 4 with a clean slate, expecting both De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper to be ready.
Injuries can shape the dynamic of the series, as seen historically in sports. Recent statistics show that teams missing key players struggle to maintain momentum. In 2021, the Brooklyn Nets were heavily impacted after James Harden and Kyrie Irving were sidelined during the playoffs, leading to their eventual exit from the series despite a strong roster. Thus, keeping key players healthy will be crucial for both teams as they push into the playoffs.
This matchup is more than just a game; it reflects strategies, the importance of player health, and the pressure of the playoffs. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these elements will play out on the court.
