Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returned to form Wednesday night, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 122-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals and leveling the series at 1-1.
After a quiet opener, Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 30 points and nine assists as Oklahoma City responded with a much sharper performance. The Thunder received major support from their bench, which outscored San Antonio’s reserves 57-25. Alex Caruso scored 17 points off the bench, while Chet Holmgren added 13. Reserves Jared McCain and Cason Wallace each contributed 12 points. Oklahoma City also capitalized on turnovers, holding a 27-10 advantage in points off miscues; while Isaiah Hartenstein chipped in 10 points and 13 rebounds for Oklahoma City, which improved to 14-5 following losses this season.
San Antonio stayed competitive behind strong performances from Stephon Castle, who scored 25 points with eight assists, and Victor Wembanyama, who posted 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and four blocks. Devin Vassell added 22 points.
The game turned midway through the fourth quarter after the Spurs cut the deficit to 99-97 on a three-pointer from Harrison Barnes. Oklahoma City answered with an 11-0 run, highlighted by a banked-in three from McCain, stretching the lead back to double digits. San Antonio made one last push when Wembanyama scored inside to trim the gap to five with just over a minute remaining, but Gilgeous-Alexander responded with a late basket to seal the win.
Meanwhile, both teams have also been dealt with injuries — Thunder guard Jalen Williams exited in the first half because of recurring hamstring tightness after recently returning to the lineup. San Antonio, already missing De’Aaron Fox due to ankle soreness, also lost rookie guard Dylan Harper to a leg injury during the second half.
Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals shifts to San Antonio on Friday.
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