Thunder Defeat Spurs in Game 2 of Western Conference Finals

OKLAHOMA CITY — MVP status returned as the Western Conference finals showcased a mix of intensity and drama.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rebounded from a quieter first game to score 30 points, while Alex Caruso contributed 17 points off the bench. The Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 122-113 on Wednesday night.

Chet Holmgren added 13 points for the Thunder, and both Jared McCain and Kayson Wallace scored 12 points each. The Thunder’s bench dominated, outscoring the Spurs’ 57-25 and also led with a notable 27-10 in points generated from turnovers.

For the Spurs, Stephon Castle excelled with 25 points, followed closely by Devin Vassell with 22 points. Victor Wembanyama put up a solid performance too, collecting 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks.

“Our players really brought the energy tonight,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “We understood what was at stake if we lost this one.”

Isaiah Hartenstein, who had limited play in Game 1, stepped up with 10 points and 13 rebounds, helping the Thunder improve their season record to 14-5 after suffering a previous loss and handily beating the Spurs for the second time in seven matchups.

However, not everything was smooth sailing for Oklahoma City. They lost guard Jaylen Williams to a hamstring injury early in the game—this was after he had already missed six playoff games with a prior issue. This situation remains precarious for the upcoming games.

Meanwhile, the Spurs faced their own setbacks. They were already without All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox due to ankle soreness and then saw replacement Dylan Harper exit the game with a right leg injury after some tough falls in the third quarter.

Despite some early struggles, the Spurs managed to rally. They entered the fourth quarter with an eight-point lead after trailing by 11 in the first half. A corner three-pointer from Harrison Barnes pulled them within two at 99-97 with just over nine minutes remaining.

Yet, a crucial moment came when the Thunder executed an 11-0 run, including a banked three-pointer from McCain, helping to push their lead to 13 points.

San Antonio wasn’t finished, though. Wembanyama’s points narrowed the gap to 118-113 with just over a minute left, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s final shot clinched the victory as the series heads to San Antonio for Game 3 on Friday.