What ADJUSTMENTS Can OKC Thunder Make vs. Spurs | What We Learned This Postseason
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The Locked On Thunder podcast dissects the Oklahoma City Thunder's path to the Western Conference Finals, highlighting their historic 8-0 playoff start and the challenges ahead against either the San Antonio Spurs or Minnesota Timberwolves. The episode focuses on key adjustments Oklahoma City must make to counter the Spurs' elite defense, particularly in handling Victor Wembanyama's rim presence and the backcourt pressure from Devin Vassell and Derrick White. Analysts emphasize the importance of maintaining offensive cohesion without relying solely on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, leveraging the emergence of A.J. Mitchell as a game-changing floor general, and optimizing rotations to keep Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams effective. The Thunder’s depth and ability to generate offense in non-SGA minutes are praised as a major revelation, with players like Jared McCain and Isaiah Joe stepping up consistently. Despite uncertainty around Jalen Williams’ availability, the team’s flexibility and star power are seen as sufficient to overcome adversity. The discussion concludes with high expectations: the Thunder are viewed as legitimate title contenders, with a championship win being the only acceptable outcome given their talent and trajectory.
Oklahoma City must adjust to the Spurs' defensive intensity by maintaining offensive rhythm without over-relying on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and using A.J. Mitchell to create balance.
The Thunder’s ability to generate high-quality offense in non-SGA minutes has been a defining strength this postseason and will be crucial against elite defenses.
A.J. Mitchell’s emergence as a starting-level contributor off the bench provides unprecedented flexibility, allowing the Thunder to keep two elite ball-handlers on the floor at all times.
Chet Holmgren’s role against Victor Wembanyama is pivotal—his ability to stay composed and play at an All-NBA level will be a major factor in the series.
Even without Jalen Williams, the Thunder’s depth and role-player contributions make them a serious title threat, with some analysts believing they could win without him.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Welcome to Locked On Thunder & Episode Overview
Introduction to the podcast, the Lockdown Podcast Network, and the focus of the episode: adjustments Oklahoma City must make against the San Antonio Spurs and lessons from the first two playoff rounds.
Spurs vs. Thunder: Key Adjustments Needed
“The biggest thing, um, that really surprised me was just the talent of the Spurs backcourt. And we all know about Wimby, but the trouble that Castle and Harper, um, gave the thunder really on both ends of the floor, able to get to the basket, uh, and able to disrupt the thunder a little bit on the perimeter.”
Rotational Strategy & The A.J. Mitchell Factor
“I don't see like what's the reason you wouldn't have, you know, two of those three guys on the court for 48 minutes.”
Defensive Challenges & Role of Joe and McCain
“They didn't see much resistance against all defensive caliber players. That has to be a lot sharper in this series.”
The Impact of Jalen Williams & Playoff Depth
“I could see a situation where they close with Mitchell over Dub. And again, it's just ideal. I mean, I think the Thunder could win the series without Dub.”
“I mean, anything short of another NBA title is a disappointment because the Spurs team is It's a little before it's time.”
“The one time that they've lost the non-Shea minutes that you can think of is in that game four against LA where they went from Shea left the court down four, he comes back in down five. That to me, with what should be the expectation for a guy like Shea and 14 this good? If you've only lost one point of ground whenever he was not on the court, then the MVP, the best player in the world, he's got to be able to come in and make that up.”
“I could see a situation where they close with Mitchell over Dub. And again, it's just ideal. I mean, I think the Thunder could win the series without Dub.”
Host
Guest
Oklahoma City Thunder
other
San Antonio Spurs
other
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
person
A.J. Mitchell
person
Jalen Williams
person
Victor Wembanyama
person
Chet Holmgren
person
Minnesota Timberwolves
other
Joe Mazzotto
person
Rylan Styles
person
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