Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exhibited a stunning performance to help the Oklahoma City Thunder level their Western Conference finals series against the San Antonio Spurs with a 122-113 victory on Wednesday night. The win brings the series to 1-1 after the defending champions responded strongly to their game one defeat. After being largely contained in the opener, Gilgeous-Alexander bounced back with 30 points and nine assists, setting the tone from the start. He repeatedly found success in the mid-range and controlled the pace of the game, helping Oklahoma City build momentum early.
The Thunder established control in the first half, taking an 11-point lead into the break after a strong defensive effort that forced 13 turnovers, which they converted into 16 points. Their aggressive pressure disrupted San Antonio’s rhythm and limited the impact of star center Victor Wembanyama, who had been outstanding in game one with a 41-point, 24-rebound performance. This time, he was heavily defended by Isaiah Hartenstein and often faced double teams.
Despite Wembanyama’s struggles, the Spurs stayed competitive thanks to Stephon Castle, who provided a highlight moment with a powerful dunk over Hartenstein that energized the crowd. San Antonio, missing guard De’Aaron Fox due to an ankle injury, fought back from a 13-point deficit to briefly level the game in the third quarter.
However, Oklahoma City held firm under pressure. Key contributions from Jalen Williams and Alex Caruso helped the Thunder regain control late in the game. Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the win with a crucial step-back jumper, followed by a Caruso lay-up that extended the lead to nine in the closing moments.
The game was physical and intense, with both teams suffering injury setbacks as Williams and Dylan Harper left the court and did not return. The Thunder, who finished the regular season with a league-best 64 wins, are aiming to become the first team since the Golden State Warriors (2017–2018) to win back-to-back championships.
San Antonio, who recorded 62 regular-season wins and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2019, had previously dominated the regular-season matchup, winning four of five games against Oklahoma City. The teams will next head to San Antonio for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Saturday.
The winner of this tightly contested series will advance to face either the New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.
The Thunder established control in the first half, taking an 11-point lead into the break after a strong defensive effort that forced 13 turnovers, which they converted into 16 points. Their aggressive pressure disrupted San Antonio’s rhythm and limited the impact of star center Victor Wembanyama, who had been outstanding in game one with a 41-point, 24-rebound performance. This time, he was heavily defended by Isaiah Hartenstein and often faced double teams.
Despite Wembanyama’s struggles, the Spurs stayed competitive thanks to Stephon Castle, who provided a highlight moment with a powerful dunk over Hartenstein that energized the crowd. San Antonio, missing guard De’Aaron Fox due to an ankle injury, fought back from a 13-point deficit to briefly level the game in the third quarter.
However, Oklahoma City held firm under pressure. Key contributions from Jalen Williams and Alex Caruso helped the Thunder regain control late in the game. Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the win with a crucial step-back jumper, followed by a Caruso lay-up that extended the lead to nine in the closing moments.
The game was physical and intense, with both teams suffering injury setbacks as Williams and Dylan Harper left the court and did not return. The Thunder, who finished the regular season with a league-best 64 wins, are aiming to become the first team since the Golden State Warriors (2017–2018) to win back-to-back championships.
San Antonio, who recorded 62 regular-season wins and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2019, had previously dominated the regular-season matchup, winning four of five games against Oklahoma City. The teams will next head to San Antonio for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Saturday.
The winner of this tightly contested series will advance to face either the New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.
