Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder bench power Oklahoma City past Spurs for 2-1 series lead

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another standout playoff performance with 26 points and 12 assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder erased an early 15-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 123-108 on Friday night, taking a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference finals. Jared McCain added 24 points and Jaylin Williams chipped in 18, while the Thunder were also boosted by a dominant bench effort that outscored San Antonio’s reserves 76-23, including 15 points from Alex Caruso. OKC were without Jalen Williams, who missed the game due to left hamstring soreness.


The Spurs, energized by De’Aaron Fox’s return from a sprained right ankle, stormed out to a historic 15-0 start, the biggest opening run in a conference finals game since 1997. Fox and Victor Wembanyama led the early charge, with Wembanyama finishing with 24 points, while Devin Vassell scored 20 and Fox added 15 in his first appearance of the series.



However, the Thunder quickly steadied themselves, cutting into the deficit before closing the first quarter down 31-26. A strong second-quarter surge flipped the momentum, with OKC eventually taking control behind improved defense and efficient half-court execution, as noted by coach Mark Daigneault.

Tempers flared in the second half, highlighted by a flagrant foul on Ajay Mitchell and technical fouls following a heated exchange involving Stephon Castle, Mitchell and Vassell. The physical tone only intensified the playoff atmosphere.

Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylin Williams hit consecutive three-pointers to give Oklahoma City its first lead at 35-31, and from there the Thunder never looked back, pulling away for a convincing win after a shaky start. The Spurs, meanwhile, were left to reflect on another collapse after their fast opening burst.