SGA and the Thunder set a free throw record, one step away from the NBA Finals

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again led the Oklahoma City Thunder as they are now just one win away from returning to the NBA Finals after a 127-114 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the fifth game of the Western Conference Finals.

The Canadian guard scored 32 points and was the offensive focal point for a Thunder team that dominated much of the game, especially after a spectacular second quarter. Additionally, Alex Caruso continued to make an impact off the bench with 22 points, while Jared McCain seized his opportunity in the starting lineup with 20 points in his first playoff start.

Injuries to Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell forced Oklahoma City to adjust their lineup, but the team responded with collective efficiency. Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Isaiah Hartenstein recorded a solid double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds.

With this win, the Thunder lead the series 3-2 and will have the first opportunity to close it out this Thursday in San Antonio. If a seventh game is needed, it will be played on Saturday in Oklahoma City. The New York Knicks already await an opponent in the NBA Finals starting on June 3.

The game changed completely in the second quarter when Oklahoma City scored 40 points to take control of the game and never relinquished the lead. "We just played like ourselves tonight," stated Gilgeous-Alexander after the game.

The Canadian guard also shined from the free-throw line, finishing with 17 attempts, a personal playoff record, and converting 16. The second quarter was marked by the high number of fouls called, with both teams combining for 29 made free throws in that period, the highest amount in a second quarter of an NBA game since the 2020 bubble.

In San Antonio, Stephon Castle stood out with 24 points, and Julian Champagnie with 22. Victor Wembanyama finished with 20 points but struggled with poor shooting, going 4 for 15 from the field. Keldon Johnson added 15 points off the bench for the Spurs, who suffered from their low three-point shooting percentage, missing 29 out of 41 attempts.

Failed Comeback Attempt

The Texas team managed to cut a 20-point deficit to eight in the third quarter but ended up frustrated by several controversial refereeing decisions. First, a play by Cason Wallace on a Luke Kornet tip-in appeared to be goaltending. Shortly after, the referees awarded possession to Oklahoma City despite replays showing the ball last touched by Holmgren.

This situation sparked the anger of coach Mitch Johnson, who unsuccessfully tried to challenge the call and ultimately received a technical foul. Despite all the controversy, the Thunder closed the third quarter with a 101-91 lead and secured a victory that places them on the brink of the NBA Finals.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Récord de tiros libres de SGA y los Thunder, a un paso de las Finales NBA