4 takeaways: Victor Wembanyama's huge night lifts Spurs over OKC in double-OT instant classic
NBA • • general
Key Points:
- Victor Wembanyama dominated Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals with 41 points, 24 rebounds, and three blocks, becoming the first player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1960 to record 30+ points and 20+ rebounds in a conference finals debut.
- The San Antonio Spurs, led by Wembanyama and rookie Dylan Harper, overcame the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a double-overtime thriller, taking a 1-0 series lead.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled early under heavy Spurs defensive focus but recovered to score 18 of his 24 points in the second half and overtimes, finishing with 12 assists.
- Alex Caruso nearly carried the Thunder to victory with a career-high 31 points, shooting 8-for-14 from three-point range while also defending Wembanyama.
- The Thunder's big men, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, were less effective than in previous rounds, combining for just 10 points and 10 rebounds, highlighting a need for greater production moving forward.