Thunder Tie the Series with the Spurs in an Intense Duel
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Thunder responded this Wednesday with a resounding victory over the San Antonio Spurs, tying the NBA Western Conference Finals series with a score of 122-113. The match, marked by intensity, also left concerns about the injuries of Jalen Williams and Dylan Harper.
After falling in the first game of the series, the Thunder showed a more aggressive and effective version. Offensive leadership fell to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who shone with 30 points and nine assists.
Oklahoma City adjusted its defense from the start, entrusting Isaiah Hartenstein with the task of limiting Victor Wembanyama, who had had an outstanding performance in the first game. Hartenstein fulfilled his mission, leaving Wembanyama at only seven points and five rebounds at halftime.
The series will now move to San Antonio, where the next two games will be played this Friday and Sunday.
However, the victory came at a cost for both teams. Jalen Williams left the game in the first quarter due to hamstring discomfort and did not return to the court, while in the third period the Spurs lost rookie Dylan Harper to a similar injury after a nasty fall.
Harper’s possible absence further aggravates San Antonio’s problems, who has also played without De’Aaron Fox, out of action due to a sprained ankle.
The match started evenly, with a 31-31 tie at the end of the first quarter, but the Thunder took control before halftime thanks to defensive intensity and the Spurs’ mistakes, who accumulated 21 turnovers converted into 27 points for Oklahoma City.
Although San Antonio reacted in the second half and managed to get closer on several occasions, each comeback attempt was stopped by timely three-pointers from the Thunder.
With 1:25 minutes left, the Spurs cut the deficit to five points (118-113) and regained possession after an offensive foul by Gilgeous-Alexander, but Devin Vassell missed a three-point shot that ended up burying the visitors’ hopes.
In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance, Alex Caruso contributed 17 points, Chet Holmgren added 13, and Isaiah Hartenstein recorded a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds.
By San Antonio, Stephon Castle was the top scorer with 25 points, although he also committed nine turnovers. Vassell added 22 points and Wembanyama finished with 21 points and 17 rebounds.
The victory represented only Oklahoma City’s second triumph over the Spurs in seven meetings this season.
