Spurs vs. Thunder score: OKC bench pushes defending champs to 2-1 lead after early Spurs surge
Yahoo Sports • • general
Key Points:
- The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a disastrous start, rallying from a 15-0 deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 123-108 in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, taking a 2-1 series lead.
- Thunder bench players Alex Caruso, Jaylin Williams, Jared McCain, and Cason Wallace were pivotal, outscoring the Spurs bench 76-23 and providing a decisive advantage despite the absence of star Jalen Williams.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 26 points and 12 assists, but the team's depth and effective lineup combinations proved crucial in maintaining control after the early Spurs surge.
- Spurs star Victor Wembanyama logged heavy minutes in Games 1 and 2 but was less effective as the Thunder outscored the Spurs by 19 when he was off the court; additionally, De’Aaron Fox exited Game 3 with a right ankle injury, compounding San Antonio’s challenges.
- The Thunder's ability to quickly find the right lineup and maintain energy contrasted with a fatigued Spurs team, highlighting OKC's culture, confidence, and depth as key factors in their Game 3 victory.