Thunder level Western Conference finals with Game 2 victory over Spurs
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 30 points as OKC capitalises on 21 Spurs turnovers; series shifts to San Antonio for Game 3 on Friday.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have levelled their Western Conference finals series against the San Antonio Spurs, securing a 122-113 victory in Game 2 on Wednesday. The result brings the series to a 1-1 tie ahead of Game 3, which is scheduled to take place in San Antonio on Friday.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points on 12-of-24 shooting, overcoming intense defensive pressure from Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama. Gilgeous-Alexander attacked early in possessions, forcing contested jump shots that fell despite the Spurs’ strategy of cutting off driving lanes. His performance marked a shift from Game 1, where Wembanyama had limited his impact, as Gilgeous-Alexander maintained efficiency under similar defensive coverage.
San Antonio’s ball security proved critical to the outcome, with the Spurs committing 21 turnovers that directly contributed to 27 points for Oklahoma City. The combined 44 turnovers through the first two games represent the highest total through Games 1 and 2 of a conference finals since the 2014 Warriors. Stephon Castle recorded 20 turnovers across the two games, the most by any player through the first two games of a conference finals in history.
Isaiah Hartenstein played a pivotal role in neutralising Wembanyama, logging 27 minutes compared to just 12 in Game 1. Hartenstein recorded 10 points and 13 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass, while physically contesting Wembanyama’s positioning near the basket. This increased usage allowed Oklahoma City to control the interior, with Wembanyama operating farther from the basket than in the opener.
Injury concerns loom for the Spurs as De'Aaron Fox remains sidelined with an ankle injury, with his availability for Game 3 currently unknown. Additionally, Dylan Harper left Game 2 with a leg injury, adding to the uncertainty surrounding San Antonio’s backcourt depth. If both players remain unavailable, Castle will face increased responsibility as the primary ball handler.
