Playing each other for the first time in three months, Oklahoma City defeated the perennial power 78-76 Monday night at a raucous, sold out Ford Center.

It was the teams' first meeting since the Spurs held off a late Thunder rally Dec. 14 to escape with a win in San Antonio.

"They're significantly better. In a variety of ways," said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. "A lot of it is the (improvement) of the people they have and the time they've spent together. It's a growth process. They're definitely a better team than they were then."

That loss, followed by another setback two days later to the Los Angeles Clippers, had the Thunder sitting at 2-24.

Oklahoma City is 17-24 since then.

"They have a fine group of young players," Popovich said. "It's only going to get better as they add to their team."

Thunder general manager Sam Presti has added two key players since that first meeting with the Spurs - center Nenad Krstic and shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha.

Sefolosha has spearheaded a defensive improvement.

"They have a bright future, not just because they're young," Popovich said. "Sammy not only has made some great moves, he's given them great flexibility with draft picks and money (under the cap), the way they're situated."

The Thunder is making progress - as evidenced by marquee wins like Monday's.

"If Pop said it, I agree," said Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks. "It's a big win for us for when we don't have our offensive shooting at a high percentage and to win with a solid defensive game. That does a lot for your confidence."