Wembanyama powers Spurs past Thunder in double-OT as San Antonio anticipates Fox’s Game 2 return
wembanyama-leads-spurs-take-game-1-fox-could-return
The San Antonio Spurs seized home-court advantage in the Western Conference finals on Monday night, edging the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder 128-124 in double overtime despite the absence of All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox.
Rookie center Victor Wembanyama headlined the win with 41 points, 24 rebounds, three assists and three blocks across 49 minutes. According to the NBA, the 20-year-old joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to record at least 40 points and 20 rebounds in their conference-finals debut.
Wembanyama said he entered the game fired up after watching Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander receive his second consecutive MVP award during a pregame ceremony. “I want to get that trophy,” the French phenom told reporters afterward. He added that fatigue can wait: “We’ll rest in July.”
First-year guard Dylan Harper, who started in Fox’s place, supplied 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and seven steals in 47 minutes. Per the league, Harper became only the second rookie since steals were officially tracked in 1973-74 to post at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals in a playoff contest, joining Magic Johnson.
San Antonio may soon regain its regular starting point guard. Marc Spears of Andscape reported the club is optimistic Fox will be available for Game 2, scheduled for Wednesday in Oklahoma City.
Source: Hoops Wire
