The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from returning to the NBA Finals after a 127-114 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night, taking a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 32 points and nine assists, overcoming a slow start to power his team to a crucial win.
Gilgeous-Alexander Overcomes Slow Start
Gilgeous-Alexander missed his first four shots and committed three turnovers in the first quarter. However, he found his rhythm in the second quarter, scoring 12 points as the Thunder erupted for 40 points. He added 11 more in the third, finishing 7-of-19 from the field. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his star's ability to adjust. "That's one of the things that I always marvel at with him is his ability to course correct inside of a game," Daigneault said. "He usually doesn't go a full game struggling like that. He obviously didn't have his fastball early."
Wembanyama Struggles, Declines Media
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama finished with 20 points on 4-of-15 shooting and six rebounds, well below his dominant rebounding numbers from earlier in the series. After averaging 20.5 rebounds per game in the first two contests, he has managed just 18 total over the last three. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson emphasized the need for Wembanyama to be more aggressive offensively. "He's going to have to take more than 15 shots even with the free throws," Johnson said. "He's going to have to score more than 20 points for sure." Wembanyama declined to speak to the media after the game.
Key Contributions from Role Players
After a disappointing Game 4, where Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, and Jared McCain combined for just 14 points on 4-of-19 shooting, the trio bounced back in a major way. McCain, making his first playoff start, scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half and committed no turnovers after the break. Holmgren recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Caruso added 22 points, six assists, and three steals. Caruso, who was held scoreless in Game 4, got off to a strong start and never let up. "He's one of, if not the best, competitor in the NBA night in and night out," Gilgeous-Alexander said of Caruso. "He's huge for us."
Castle Expresses Frustration
Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 24 points but voiced frustration after the game regarding officiating. The Thunder attempted 38 free throws to the Spurs' 32. "I just think with the way they guard, how physical they are, we don't get that same luxury to be able to play as physical on the other end at times," Castle said. "Offensively, I think we do a good job of screening and playing through it. I think we create a lot of advantages but I think we just missed a lot of open shots tonight."
Thunder Take Control
Oklahoma City led by 11 at halftime and extended the margin by scoring the first nine points of the third quarter. The Spurs cut the deficit to eight twice late in the third but never got closer, as the Thunder closed out the game to bounce back from their Game 4 loss. Game 6 is set for Thursday in San Antonio, where the Thunder will look to clinch the series and advance to the NBA Finals.
