Saturday was our first true taste of what the future holds for the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. The two met for the first time this season in Ve

The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-109 in Saturday's thrilling NBA Cup semifinals, but their star player still believes the team is in catch-up mode when it comes to the reigning champions.

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.

Oklahoma City suffered just its second loss of the season in the NBA Cup, which has sparked questions from national observers.

How Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is embracing a Spurs rivalry after Saturday's NBA Cup semifinal loss.

Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama returned from a 12-game absence dealing with a calf strain. He made it back in time for the NBA Cup semifinals. It was a good experience for the Spurs as they will likely punch their ticket to the playoffs for the first time with their young group this year.

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

Following a victory vs. the Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals, the Spurs may have shown they don't need to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.