SAN ANTONIO – In a thrilling Game 4 of the Western Conference finals, Victor Wembanyama showcased his immense talent, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a commanding 103-82 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The standout performance included 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, which helped the Spurs tie the series after suffering a loss in the previous game.
De’Aaron Fox also contributed significantly with a double-double, recording 12 points and 10 rebounds, along with five assists. Supporting Wembanyama and Fox were Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell, who each added 13 points, demonstrating the depth and versatility of the Spurs’ roster.
The Spurs will look to build on this momentum as they head into Game 5 on Tuesday in Oklahoma City, followed by Game 6 on Thursday back in San Antonio.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 19 points on 6-for-15 shooting, but the team struggled to find offensive rhythm throughout the game. Wembanyama, who took the defeat in Game 3 personally, responded emphatically, stating that he needed to elevate his game to help his teammates. His efforts were evident, as he dominated on both ends of the court.
The Spurs’ defense was a critical factor in the game, limiting the Thunder to just 33% shooting from the field and a dismal 18% from three-point range, making only 6 of 33 attempts. This performance marked one of the Thunder’s lowest postseason totals, a stark contrast to their previous victory.
After being outscored 76-23 in bench points during Game 3, the Spurs’ reserves stepped up, contributing 30 points while holding the Thunder’s bench to 34 points. This shift in performance highlights the Spurs’ ability to adapt and respond under pressure.
The game started hot for San Antonio, reminiscent of their previous outing when they opened with a 15-0 run. This time, they maintained their lead throughout the game, demonstrating resilience and determination. A pivotal moment came when Vassell blocked Jared McCain’s layup attempt and assisted Wembanyama with an alley-oop dunk, sparking a 16-0 run that solidified their early advantage.
San Antonio’s teamwork was evident, with an assist on all 10 field goals scored in the first quarter. The Spurs’ defensive efforts were equally impressive, holding Oklahoma City to only 38 points in the first half, which is tied for the second-lowest scoring half in their postseason history.
Historically, the Thunder have struggled when scoring under 40 points in a half, posting a 2-9 record in such games over the last five seasons. Their franchise low is just 65 points in a playoff loss against Memphis in 2014, and they had previously recorded only 85 points against the Spurs in another playoff game that same year.
As the series continues to unfold, the Spurs have shown they are capable of bouncing back and proving their strength in the playoffs. The upcoming games will be crucial for both teams as they vie for a chance to advance in the postseason.
The Associated Press’ Raul Dominguez contributed to this report.
