Thunder beat Spurs 123-108 to take a 2-1 lead
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder with 26 points and 12 assists as they overcame a 15-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 123-108, taking a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference finals.
- The Thunder's bench dominated, outscoring the Spurs' bench 76-23, with Alex Caruso contributing 15 points despite the absence of Jalen Williams due to hamstring soreness.
- San Antonio started strong with a 15-0 run, the longest opening run in conference finals history since 1997, fueled by Devin Vassell, Victor Wembanyama, and De’Aaron Fox, who made his series debut after recovering from a sprained ankle.
- Oklahoma City tightened their defense after the initial run and executed disciplined offense, which helped them control the game despite the Spurs' early momentum and physical play.
- The series has been intense and physical, with tensions rising in the second half, including a flagrant foul and technicals after a confrontation between players Ajay Mitchell and Devin Vassell.