The defending champions answered back in a big way Wednesday night. Behind a bounce-back performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a dominant effort from their bench, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 122-113 in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, evening the series at 1-1 before it shifts to San Antonio.
After struggling in the series opener, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked far more like the league MVP candidate the Thunder have leaned on all season. The All-Star guard poured in 30 points and delivered key baskets late to help Oklahoma City regain control after the Spurs made a furious fourth-quarter push.
The Thunder’s depth proved to be the difference throughout the night. Alex Caruso scored 17 points off the bench, while Jared McCain and Cason Wallace added 12 apiece. Oklahoma City dominated the reserve battle 57-25 and capitalized on San Antonio miscues with a commanding 27-10 edge in points off turnovers.
Chet Holmgren chipped in 13 points, and Isaiah Hartenstein made a major impact after barely featuring in Game 1, finishing with 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Thunder improved to 14-5 following a loss this season and beat the Spurs for only the second time in seven meetings.
San Antonio once again received a brilliant all-around effort from Victor Wembanyama, who finished with 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and four blocks. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 25 points, while Devin Vassell added 22.
But injuries became a major storyline for both teams.
The Thunder lost Jalen Williams in the first half after he experienced more tightness in his troublesome left hamstring, an injury that had already sidelined him for six playoff games. His status for Game 3 on Friday is uncertain.
The Spurs entered the night already without All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox because of ankle soreness, then suffered another blow when rookie guard Dylan Harper exited in the third quarter with a right leg injury after taking a pair of awkward falls. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said afterward he had no update on Harper’s condition, acknowledging the injuries place “a ton” of pressure on the rest of the roster.
Despite the setbacks, San Antonio nearly erased an 11-point halftime deficit. The Spurs trailed by eight entering the fourth quarter and pulled within 99-97 after a Harrison Barnes corner 3-pointer with 9:06 remaining.
That was when Oklahoma City delivered the decisive response.
The Thunder ripped off an 11-0 run over the next two-and-a-half minutes, highlighted by a banked-in 3-pointer from McCain that energized the home crowd and pushed the lead back to 13.
Still, the Spurs refused to go away. Wembanyama scored inside with 1:25 left to cut the deficit to 118-113, but Gilgeous-Alexander answered with a clutch basket in the closing moments to seal the win and ensure the series heads to Texas tied.
Game 3 is set for Friday night in San Antonio, where the young Spurs will look to regain momentum on their home floor while the Thunder hope their championship experience continues to shine through.
