BREAKING: Spurs Get Outplayed After Halftime — Did Nobody Expect This Response?

🏀 The San Antonio Spurs lost 119-98 to the Oklahoma City Thunder — but this "reality check" might be exactly the championship education they needed. After beating OKC three straight times in December, the Spurs are now 4-6 in their last 10 games as elite teams adjust their game plans specifically for San Antonio.
In this deep breakdown, we analyze:
✅ Why Victor Wembanyama's "low man" defensive strategy was exploited (Wemby: 24 PPG, 11 RPG season, hit 500th career block this game)
✅ How Stephon Castle (2024-25 Rookie of the Year) continues proving his elite potential: 20 pts, 8 ast, 7 reb
✅ De'Aaron Fox's integration challenge (acquired Feb 2025, $229M extension) — 14 pts, 5 ast vs OKC
✅ Devin Vassell's critical absence (out since Dec 30, left adductor strain) and what it reveals about his value
✅ Harrison Barnes' shooting slump (0-3 from three, 21.2% in January) and floor spacing crisis
✅ Dylan Harper's encouraging development (2025 #2 pick rookie: 12 pts, 2-3 from three)
✅ Why this loss is championship education, not a crisis
Final Score: Thunder 119, Spurs 98
Spurs Record: 27-13 (2nd in West, 6.5 games behind OKC)
Key Game Stats:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 34 points (15 in decisive 3rd quarter, 111th consecutive 20+ point game)
Victor Wembanyama: 17 points, 7 rebounds, 500th career block (dealt with knee collision + ankle roll)
Stephon Castle: 20 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds (3-5 from three)
De'Aaron Fox: 14 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds
Harrison Barnes: 2 points (0-3 from three)
Thunder outscored Spurs 40-24 in 3rd quarter
Spurs shot 40% FG, first game under 100 points all season

Fan Perspective:
"It's learning time, not championship time. Teams now see us as a real playoff threat and are game-planning differently. These January experiences will serve us well in April and May."