The Oklahoma City Thunder moved one step closer to their second straight NBA Finals appearance Tuesday night, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 at home in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 32 points to power the Thunder to victory, giving Oklahoma City a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven series. Game 6 will take place Thursday in San Antonio.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault adjusted his starting lineup due to ongoing injuries to Jalen Williams (hamstring) and Ajay Mitchell (calf). Rather than starting Cason Wallace, who got the nod in Game 4 on Sunday, Daigneault chose to go with Jared McCain.
McCain struggled early after managing only four points in the Thunder’s 103-82 defeat that tied the series at 2-2. He started slowly again Tuesday, connecting on just 1 of 5 shots for two points in the opening half.
The second half told a different story for McCain, who exploded for 18 points after intermission.
While Gilgeous-Alexander shot just 7 for 19 from the floor, he dominated at the free-throw line, converting 16 of 17 attempts.
Alex Caruso bounced back after being held scoreless in Game 4 with only one field goal attempt. The key reserve came out firing and contributed 22 points for Oklahoma City.
The Thunder’s bench players outproduced their San Antonio counterparts 40-33.
For the Spurs, Stephon Castle paced the scoring with 24 points on efficient 7-of-11 shooting. Julian Champagnie chipped in 22 points, while Victor Wembanyama managed 20 points despite struggling from the field at 4 of 15. Wembanyama also pulled down six rebounds.
Unlike the previous two contests where Oklahoma City dug themselves into early 15-point first-quarter deficits, Tuesday’s eight-point hole proved much more manageable for the Thunder.
Oklahoma City rallied to grab the lead late in the first quarter behind five straight points from Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Thunder built an 11-point halftime advantage and expanded their lead immediately after the break, opening the third quarter with nine unanswered points.
San Antonio refused to fold, twice cutting the gap to eight points late in the third quarter.
The Spurs couldn’t get any closer as Oklahoma City sealed the victory to rebound from their Game 4 setback.
Late in the third quarter, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson challenged an out-of-bounds ruling that went against San Antonio, with replays appearing to show the ball last touched Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren.
When officials denied the challenge and Gilgeous-Alexander drew a foul on the ensuing possession, Johnson received a technical foul. Gilgeous-Alexander capitalized by sinking all three free throws, stretching the Thunder’s lead to 101-88.
Holmgren recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds for Oklahoma City, while Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 12 points and 15 rebounds.
Keldon Johnson provided 15 points off the bench for San Antonio.
