OKLAHOMA CITY – The MVP looked like the MVP again, and the Western Conference finals are knotted up.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bounced back from a subpar series opener to score 30 points, Alex Caruso added 17 off the bench, and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 122-113 on Wednesday night in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.
Chet Holmgren contributed 13 points, while reserves Jared McCain and Cason Wallace each added 12 for Oklahoma City. The Thunder showcased their depth with a staggering 57-25 advantage in bench scoring and a 27-10 edge in points off turnovers, crucial factors in their victory.
“I thought we all played better,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault remarked. “I had a quiet confidence about that. I didn’t know if we’d win or lose the game, but I was pretty sure after watching Game 1 and knowing our team that we were going to come out and play better tonight.” This sentiment was echoed by the players, particularly Gilgeous-Alexander, who emphasized the importance of the game, stating, “Knowing what it would have meant if we lost this one, we brought the energy from the jump.”
On the other side, Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 25 points, while Devin Vassell added 22 points. The standout performance of the night came from Victor Wembanyama, who recorded a remarkable 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks, showcasing his all-around skills and potential as a future star in the league.
Looking ahead, Game 3 is set for Friday in San Antonio, where both teams will aim to gain the upper hand in this tightly contested series.
The victory, however, came at a cost for the Thunder. They lost guard Jalen Williams to a recurrence of a left hamstring strain in the first half, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming game. The team reported it as tightness, but the uncertainty looms large as they prepare to face the Spurs again.
The Spurs, already without All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox due to ankle soreness, faced further challenges when his replacement, Dylan Harper, suffered a right leg injury. Coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged the difficulties of losing two key guards, stating, “It puts a ton of pressure on others when you’re down two guards.” He emphasized the need for sharper execution, especially against a team known for its ability to force turnovers.
San Antonio struggled in the first half, trailing by 11 at halftime and entering the fourth quarter down by eight. The team made a push to get within two points at 99-97 after a corner 3-pointer by Harrison Barnes, but an 11-0 run by the Thunder quickly extended their lead to 13 points, proving pivotal in the game’s outcome.
Despite the challenges, the Spurs fought back, with Wembanyama scoring to narrow the gap to 118-113 with just over a minute remaining. However, Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the victory with a final basket, ensuring the series would head to San Antonio tied.
“We’ve got to help our ballhandlers more and take care of the ball,” Wembanyama remarked, highlighting the areas for improvement as the series progresses.
