The San Antonio Spurs opened the Western Conference Finals with a strong statement. The Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115 in double overtime on the road at Paycom Center to take game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Victor Wembanyama delivered a playoff masterpiece while Rookie Dylan Harper stepped up big in place of the injured De’Aaron Fox. The Spurs take a 1-0 in the series lead. They showed they can hang and beat the top-seeded Thunder and defending NBA Champions. It’s still a long series to go but the Spurs are off to a great start with a game 1 road victory.
Victor Wembanyama was unstoppable in game. He scored 41 points on 14-for-25 shooting. He made 12-for-13 from the free throw line. He dominated the glass with 24 rebounds (including nine offensive) and added three blocks. His presence on both ends, especially in the extra periods, proved to be pivotal as San Antonio pulled away in the second Overtime.
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Dylan Harper was equally impactful in his first Western Conference Finals game. The Rookie dropped 24 points on 8-for-20 shooting. Harper knocked down 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. He also grabbed 11 rebounds, dished six assists, and swiped seven steals. His defensive disruption repeatedly forced Oklahoma City into mistakes and helped the Spurs control the tempo in crunch time. He also made timely offensive plays throughout the game to help the Spurs to the game 1 victory.
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More Spurs Contributions
• Stephon Castle scored 17 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out 11 assists.
• Devin Vassell scored 13 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out two assists.
• Julian Champagnie scored 11 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
For the Thunder, Alex Caruso exploded for 31 points off the bench. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 24 points and 12 assists. Jalen Williams chipped in 26 points.
The Spurs will face the Thunder again on Wednesday, 5/20. Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m./7:30 p.m. Central. The game will air on NBC/Peacock.
