The Oklahoma City Thunder got off to another slow start Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs. However, they were unable to erase an early deficit this time, falling 103-82 in Game 4 to even the Western Conference finals at two games apiece.
"They just punched us in our face early," Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters postgame, including ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "I think they just did a good job of being the aggressors. They were in us - forcing turnovers, being physical."
San Antonio jumped out to a 23-8 advantage within the first eight minutes of Game 4. Isaiah Hartenstein was the only Thunder player to score during that span, while the rest of the team shot 0-for-6 from the field. The Spurs built a 15-0 lead to open Game 3, but OKC battled back and ultimately won Friday's contest.
Oklahoma City's 82 total points on 33% shooting Sunday, including a 6-of-33 effort from deep, was the team's lowest output since scoring 79 points against the Memphis Grizzlies in December 2021.
San Antonio gave the Thunder a taste of their own medicine with 11 steals and 25 points off turnovers.
Gilgeous-Alexander was limited to six points on 2-of-6 shooting when Stephon Castle served as his primary defender, but the two-time MVP didn't get much offensive help; Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell were sidelined due to injury.
Hartenstein managed four more points after his quick start, while Chet Holmgren's struggles continued with 10 points and three turnovers. Fellow starters Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace combined for seven points on 3-of-10 shooting.
"Two of our handlers, our creators, are out, but guys are good off the ball, and we played a fair amount of games this year with no handlers," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "So, we're a little bit used to that. But I mean, regardless, I think it's just a snowball effect.
"I think when you come out with the right energy, things like that work out and the offense has flow. And I don't think we came out with the right energy today."
Game 5 of the Western Conference finals is set for Tuesday in Oklahoma City at 8:30 p.m. ET.
