Reigning NBA champions Oklahoma City may own the league’s best record, but San Antonio continue to have their number.

Victor Wembanyama came off the bench on Thursday to help power the Spurs to a commanding 117–102 victory over the Thunder, extending San Antonio’s dominance in the matchup this season.

De’Aaron Fox led all scorers with 29 points, while Wembanyama posted 19 points and 11 rebounds in just 26 minutes. Rookie guard Stephon Castle also impressed, adding 19 points for the Spurs.

“My first Christmas game,” Fox said. “It feels great getting another victory.”

After opening the season with a remarkable 24–1 run, Oklahoma City have now lost four of their last six games — three of those defeats coming against San Antonio.

“When you play a team of this caliber, the details are much more magnified,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “We did a phenomenal job as the game progressed, adhering to those nuances.”

Wembanyama stopped short of calling it a statement win, but admitted the Spurs have learned plenty from facing the Thunder repeatedly.

“I’m not really sure it’s smart to think so far into the future,” Wembanyama said. “This was like a playoff series. We played them three times in 10 days, so we learned a lot on the technical side.”

Oklahoma City suffered their first home loss in 15 games despite 22 points from reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder opened hot, sinking their first seven shots to build an 18–12 lead, but the Spurs responded with an 11–0 run to close the first quarter ahead 41–36.

San Antonio stretched the advantage to 69–60 at halftime and 95–79 after three quarters, never relinquishing control.

“The guys were working their butts off,” Johnson said.

A brief Thunder push early in the fourth quarter failed to shift momentum, as the Spurs improved to 23–7, second in the Western Conference behind Oklahoma City at 26–5. Isaiah Hartenstein recorded 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Thunder, while Chet Holmgren added 10 points and 12 boards.

The Spurs, who have not reached the playoffs since 2019, continue to build momentum after missing the postseason for several years.

Knicks 126, Cavaliers 124

In New York, Jalen Brunson poured in 34 points as the Knicks staged a stunning comeback to defeat Cleveland in a Christmas Day thriller.

The Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 34 points, surged ahead 103–86 midway through the fourth quarter before New York closed the game on a decisive 40–21 run.

Brunson, who hit six three-pointers, knocked down the go-ahead shot with 65 seconds remaining to give the Knicks a 121–119 lead. It marked his 90th career 30-point game with the franchise, trailing only Patrick Ewing and Carmelo Anthony.

Jordan Clarkson added 25 points off the bench for New York.

Warriors 126, Mavericks 116

In San Francisco, Stephen Curry scored 23 points despite an off shooting night as Golden State defeated Dallas.

Curry finished 6-of-18 from the field and 2-of-10 from beyond the arc but credited the win to execution.

“Didn’t shoot it well, but we got a great win,” Curry said. “Just focused on the details of what this team can do to win.”

Seven Warriors reached double figures, with Jimmy Butler contributing 14 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.

Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg scored a game-high 27 points, becoming one of the youngest players ever to start on Christmas Day. Anthony Davis exited after just 11 minutes with a suspected groin injury, while Klay Thompson scored seven points in his return to the Bay Area.

Rockets 119, Lakers 96

In Los Angeles, Amen Thompson led Houston with 26 points as the Rockets cruised past the Lakers.

Kevin Durant added 25 points, while Alperen Sengun chipped in with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

“We wanted to come out and play with urgency for 48 minutes,” Durant said. “The basketball world is watching you tonight.”

Luka Dončić led the Lakers with 25 points, while LeBron James finished with 18 in his 20th Christmas Day appearance, dropping his holiday record to 11–9. Austin Reaves left early with left calf soreness.

Nuggets 142, Timberwolves 138 (OT)

The day’s finale belonged to Nikola Jokić, who delivered a historic performance as Denver edged Minnesota in overtime.

Jokić erupted for 56 points, becoming the first player in NBA history to record at least 55 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in a single game. Anthony Edwards scored 44 points in a losing effort for the Timberwolves.

The Serbian star’s total marked the third-highest scoring performance ever on Christmas Day, trailing only Bernard King’s 60 in 1984 and Wilt Chamberlain’s 59 in 1961.