Thunder on the brink of the NBA Finals as Wembanyama skips media availability after playoff loss

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander overcame a slow start and powered the Oklahoma City Thunder past the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 on Tuesday night, giving Oklahoma City a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals. The Thunder can clinch the series in Game 6 on Thursday in San Antonio.

Gilgeous-Alexander missed his first four shots and committed three first-quarter turnovers, but he settled in and helped the Thunder control the game. He scored 12 points during a 40-point second quarter and added 11 more in the third, finishing with 32 points, nine assists and seven made field goals. Oklahoma City led after the first quarter despite his early struggles, as the reigning MVP candidate scored seven points in the final two minutes of the period to steady the team.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s response after a poor showing in Game 4, saying Oklahoma City was first to the fight on both ends of the floor. He also credited Gilgeous-Alexander for adjusting during the game after a difficult start.

Oklahoma City got major production from its supporting cast. Alex Caruso rebounded from a scoreless outing in Game 4 to score 22 points, while adding six assists and three steals. Chet Holmgren finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Jared McCain, making his first playoff start in place of injured regulars Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, scored 20 points, with 18 coming after halftime. The trio combined for 58 points after managing just 14 in Sunday’s loss.

Caruso’s energy and two-way play were especially important as the Thunder pushed their lead to 11 by halftime and opened the third quarter with a 9-0 run. The Spurs briefly trimmed the margin to eight late in the third, but Oklahoma City answered each push and closed out the win.

For San Antonio, Victor Wembanyama had a quiet night by his standards, finishing with 20 points on 4-of-15 shooting and six rebounds. After dominating the glass earlier in the series, he has collected just 18 rebounds over the last three games. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said the team needs Wembanyama to be more aggressive offensively if it wants to force a comeback, noting that he will need to take more than 15 shots and score above 20 points.

Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 24 points and voiced frustration with the officiating, pointing to the Thunder’s physical defense and a disparity in free-throw attempts. Oklahoma City shot 38 free throws, six more than the Spurs.

The Thunder responded strongly after losing Game 4 and now sit one win away from reaching the NBA Finals.