The Thunder tie the series against the Spurs with a great performance by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again resembled the MVP, and the Oklahoma City Thunder reacted in time to tie the Western Conference Finals. The reigning champions defeated the San Antonio Spurs 122-113 in the second game of the series, leveling it at 1-1 before heading to Texas. This time it was not for Victor Wembanyama.

After a modest debut, Gilgeous-Alexander responded with 30 points and led a much more aggressive team from the start. Alex Caruso was instrumental off the bench with 17 points, while Chet Holmgren contributed 13, and reserves Jared McCain and Cason Wallace added 12 each.

The second unit made a significant difference. Oklahoma City dominated 57-25 in bench scoring and capitalized on the opponents' turnovers with a clear 27-10 advantage in points off turnovers.

“I think we all played better,” explained coach Mark Daigneault. “There was a quiet confidence. I didn't know if we were going to win or lose, but after watching the first game and getting to know my team, I was sure we were going to come out much better tonight.”

San Antonio battled until the end thanks to a great performance by Stephon Castle, who scored 25 points, and Devin Vassell, who added 22. Victor Wembanyama put up another exceptional performance with 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks.

The Spurs managed to get within two points (99-97) after a corner three-pointer by Harrison Barnes with 9:06 remaining. However, the defending champions responded with an 11-0 run that proved decisive. In the midst of that run was a banked three-pointer by McCain that shifted control back to Oklahoma.

Nevertheless, San Antonio did not give up. Wembanyama brought the Texans close again with an inside basket to make it 118-113 with 1:25 left, but Gilgeous-Alexander responded with another key play that sealed the game.

The keys for Shai and Wemby

“The guys gave it their all tonight. We knew what losing this game would have meant and we came out with energy from the tip,” stated Gilgeous-Alexander. Another key player for Oklahoma was Isaiah Hartenstein. After playing a minor role in the first game, he finished with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

The third game will be played this Friday in San Antonio, with the series even and everything still up for grabs. “We need to support our ball handlers more and take better care of the ball,” acknowledged Wembanyama after the defeat.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los Thunder igualan la serie ante los Spurs con un gran Shai Gilgeous-Alexander