The Oklahoma City Thunder avoided a 0-2 deficit in the Western Conference finals by defeating the San Antonio Spurs, 122-113, on Wednesday night at Paycom Center.
Who and what: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced Oklahoma City with 30 points, nine assists, two blocks and only one turnover, steadying the Thunder every time San Antonio threatened. The victory evens the best-of-seven matchup at one game apiece.
How: The Thunder dominated the offensive glass behind Isaiah Hartenstein. The reserve center hauled in 13 rebounds—eight on offense—providing second-chance opportunities that disrupted rookie Victor Wembanyama’s rhythm in the paint.
Spurs’ struggles: San Antonio shot efficiently enough to stay close but was undone by ball security. Stephon Castle scored 25 points yet committed nine of the team’s 21 turnovers after recording 11 giveaways in Game 1. Turnovers repeatedly led to Thunder transition points.
Inside the numbers: Wembanyama finished with 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and four blocks, but Oklahoma City forced him away from the rim more consistently than in the opener.
Injury report: Guard Dylan Harper left the game with an unspecified injury, and De’Aaron Fox remained out of the lineup for San Antonio.
What’s next: The series shifts to Frost Bank Center for Game 3 on Friday night with the teams knotted at 1-1.
Source: Hoops Wire
