The first quarter between the Thunder and Spurs followed that script. The Thunder led by 11 after 12 minutes. And then Victor Wembanyama stepped on the floor, and the NBA felt competitive again.

The Thunder (24-1) have won a franchise-record 16 in a row. They destroyed the Phoenix Suns in a 138-89 win to advance in the NBA Cup on Wednesday. They led by as many as 53 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 28 points and eight assists in three quarters.

The Hall of Famer has an emotional stake in the San Antonio Spurs, the team he helped win four championships, and this was before the Spurs played the behemoth from Oklahoma City in the semifinals. Let’s just say that, after the fact, that stake has now intensified.

The Spurs, Rockets, and Thunder don't seem to be interested in making a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes available.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander anticipates a rivalry brewing between the Spurs and Thunder originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Oklahoma City Thunder lost their second game of the season on Saturday night, falling to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup semifinals.

In NBA Cup semifinals Saturday, Stephon Castle and Co. held Oklahoma City to just 109 points, 14 below its season average.