OKC Thunder Blow Out Spurs in Matchup of Rookie Stars
While a matchup of rookie stars was center stage, the Thunder’s effort stole the show.
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 140-114 for their fourth straight win to move back into the first seed in the West. While the Spurs kept the game close for the first 30 minutes, the Thunder took control in the second half.
By turning the Spurs over in the third quarter, the Thunder were able to counter most attacks from Gregg Popovich’s group. Still, the Spurs did not lose much ground until the closing minutes of the frame.
Oklahoma City used a 15-2 run to extend the lead to 26 and essentially put the game away. With 16 points in the third, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was key in pulling away from San Antonio.
The Thunder star led the game in scoring with 32 points, including a perfect 12 shots from the foul line. Gilgeous-Alexander also had a big night, getting his teammates involved with a game-high 10 assists.
With some wild shots inside and a couple of rejections, Wembanyama looked to put his imprint on the game early. In his matchup with Chet Holmgren as part of Rivals Week, the Spurs' big man shined with 24 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.
While the Thunder’s rookie did not put up numbers like Wembanyama, his 17 points, nine rebounds and three blocks were integral to the Thunder’s win.
Oklahoma City's 12-0 run to begin the second quarter helped it build a 19-point advantage. An Aaron Wiggins 3-pointer capped off that run as part of his season-high 22-point performance.
While that was the largest lead of the half, the Thunder’s 11-of-22 first-half performance from 3-point range led to a 63-52 lead at halftime. That damage began toward the end of the first quarter with three makes from beyond the arc, as the Thunder made an 11-0 run for their first double-digit lead.
The Thunder's road trip continues with a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.
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