Spurs seize home-court advantage in double-overtime Western Conference finals opener

The San Antonio Spurs claimed home-court advantage in the Western Conference finals, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115 in double overtime on Monday night. The victory, secured in Oklahoma City, marks the fifth win for San Antonio against the Thunder in six meetings this season and effectively halts Oklahoma City’s nine-game playoff winning streak, which had extended back to Game 7 of the previous season’s Finals.

Victor Wembanyama delivered a dominant statistical performance, recording 41 points and 24 rebounds to lead the Spurs. Wembanyama sealed the win with a pair of dunks in the final minute of double overtime, including one that resulted in a three-point play. His efficiency contrasted sharply with the first-half struggles of Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who recorded his worst shooting output in nearly three years, making just one of five field goals for four points before the break.

The Spurs benefited from a balanced offensive attack, with Dylan Harper contributing 24 points and a team playoff-record seven steals. Stephon Castle added 17 points, while Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson each scored 13. Julian Champagnie contributed 11 points to the effort. San Antonio managed to maintain a lead throughout much of the contest, holding an 80-73 advantage entering the fourth quarter, despite a frantic finish where the lead changed hands twice and the game was tied three times in under two minutes.

For the Thunder, Alex Caruso provided a significant spark off the bench with 31 points, marking the second-highest scoring game of his career. Jalen Williams returned from a six-game absence due to a hamstring strain to score 26 points. Gilgeous-Alexander, who received his second consecutive Most Valuable Player award earlier that evening, finished with 24 points and 12 assists but struggled with his shot, finishing 7 for 23 from the field.

The match was the sixth Game 1 in NBA playoff history to require double overtime, the first instance since a Spurs-Warriors game in 2013. The Spurs navigated the contest without guard De'Aaron Fox, who was ruled out due to a right ankle sprain sustained in the previous round. The series features the youngest combined roster in conference finals history since 1970, with a weighted average age of 25.5.