OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points and handed out nine assists with only one turnover on Wednesday night, guiding the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 122-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals. The series is now tied 1-1 as it shifts to San Antonio.
The two-time MVP shot 12-for-24, converting every basket inside the three-point line after struggling in the opener. “Every team has its identity, and when you impose yours more than the other team, you usually win,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
Bench turns the tide
Oklahoma City’s reserves outscored San Antonio’s bench 57-25, matching the franchise’s highest playoff bench output since relocating in 2008. Four Thunder substitutes reached double figures, including Alex Caruso with 17 points. “There’s no panic,” Caruso noted.
The Thunder recorded 14 steals—11 by bench players—and turned 21 Spurs turnovers into 27 points. It marked the fifth time in nine postseason wins that Oklahoma City generated at least 27 points off giveaways.
Hartenstein’s physical presence
Center Isaiah Hartenstein, limited to 12 minutes in the Game 1 defeat, logged 27 minutes Wednesday and finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds (eight offensive) and three assists. His screening repeatedly freed shooters, and his defense helped contain Victor Wembanyama.
After erupting for 41 points and 24 rebounds in the opener, the 7-foot-4 Spurs rookie settled for 21 points and 17 boards in Game 2. ESPN tracking showed Hartenstein as Wembanyama’s primary defender on 47 possessions—up from just three in Game 1—cutting the rookie’s paint scoring from 26 to 10 points. “I just wanted to establish the physicality earlier,” Hartenstein said.
Injury concern
Oklahoma City lost starting wing Jalen Williams to left hamstring tightness after the first quarter, putting his status for the remainder of the series in doubt.
Looking ahead
Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
Source: ESPN
