The San Antonio Spurs are fighting tooth and nail this late in the season as they are trying to keep their position inside the playoff picture in the Western Conference. A playoff appearance has a greater importance this season for the Spurs. While they are not among the favorites to win a title this year, the Spurs definitely would like to extend their streak of playoff participation to 21 years. The world looked completely different the last time the Spurs missed the boat to the postseason than it is now.

On Thursday night, perhaps no Spurs player displayed how badly they wanted to win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in order to give themselves some more breathing room in the Western Conference standings than Danny Green – at least during one play in the third quarter, when the shooting guard channeled his inner LeBron James to block Paul George’s layup attempt in transition.

Related NewsArticle continues below
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) and teammates react after drawing a foul on a basket during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Frost Bank Center.
How Spurs’ Keldon Johnson continues downplaying speculation
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) plays around with a ball in celebration of Fan Appreciation Day after a victory over the Toronto Raptors at Frost Bank Center.
Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama back in gym with French draft prospect

Paul George, who is among the steals leaders in the NBA, was trying to cash in off of an errant pass by Spurs guard Patty Mills, but Danny Green was not one to give up on a play. Green is one of the best shot-blockers in his position, as he is averaging 1.2 swats per game this season.

That was not the only memorable defensive play from the Spurs in this game, though, as Manu Ginobili also set a new franchise record in steals back in the second quarter of the contest.

The Spurs ended the game with a 103-99 win over OKC, and will now prepare for Sunday's date with the Houston Rockets.