The San Antonio Spurs drew first blood in the 2026 Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 122-115 double-overtime victory on Tuesday.
In his first career conference finals game, Victor Wembanyama powered the Spurs to victory with a monster performance of 41 points, a career-high 24 rebounds, and 4 stocks, handing OKC their first loss this playoffs.
“Everybody has to step up, everybody answered the call, we had to cover up for our guy Fox, who hopefully will be available next game. You know, we’re just built like this,” Wembanyama said postgame.
Wembanyama Goes Nuclear in Extra Periods
Despite holding a seven-point lead with five minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Thunder eventually rallied back, as a driving layup from back-to-back MVP winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander forced the game into a 101-all deadlock. With a chance to win the game, however, Wembanyama’s layup was denied by Chet Holmgren at the rim, forcing the first overtime.
After a Gilgeous-Alexander throwdown gave the Thunder a three-point lead, Wembanyama followed it up with a pull-up three from near the logo in the dying seconds, forcing another five minutes.
In the second extra period, Wemby continued to leave the OKC defense helpless, throwing down back-to-back alley-oops to seal the victory.
With guard De’Aaron Fox out with an injury, rookie Dylan Harper carried San Antonio’s defensive load, turning in an all-around performance of 24 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 7 steals, while Stephon Castle added a 17-point, 11-assist double-double.
Despite committing 21 turnovers, the Spurs’ length overwhelmed OKC in the rebounding department, 61-40.
With the victory, San Antonio is now 5-1 against the Thunder this season.
Thunder Drop First Game This Postseason as Stars Struggle
Notching their first loss in this year’s playoffs, the Spurs made sure to put their defensive assignments in check, pressuring OKC’s stars throughout the entire game.
After receiving his second consecutive MVP award, Gilgeous-Alexander was held to 24 points and 12 assists, but shot an abysmal 30% from the field. Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren was held to an even worse 28% clip, notching only 8 points and 8 rebounds.
In his first game in this year’s playoffs after missing the past month with a hamstring injury, Jalen Williams recorded 26 points and 7 rebounds, while Alex Caruso lit up the bench with 31 markers.
The Spurs will look to stay undefeated, while the Thunder aim to even the series in Game 2 on Thursday.
