Thunder secure Western Conference Finals advantage with bench dominance
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 26 points as Oklahoma City’s reserves contribute 76 points in decisive Game 3 victory
The Oklahoma City Thunder have seized a 2-1 advantage in the NBA Western Conference Finals, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 123-108 in Game 3. The victory, secured on the road, marks a significant shift in momentum for the reigning champions, who overcame a historic early deficit to establish control over the series.
The contest began with a startling surge from San Antonio, who raced out to a 15-0 lead. This marked the longest opening run in conference finals history since the play-by-play era began in 1997. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged the intensity of the start, noting that the Spurs were ready to play and caught his team early. However, Oklahoma City responded with a 13-2 run to end the first quarter, trailing 31-26, before taking the lead in the second quarter.
Central to the Thunder’s recovery was the performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 26 points in a dominant all-around offensive display. The reigning two-time NBA Most Valuable Player helped stabilize the team’s structure as they outscored San Antonio 32-20 in the second period. Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso each contributed 10 points during this critical stretch, helping Oklahoma City build a 58-51 lead at halftime.
The game’s narrative shifted dramatically in the third quarter, where an altercation involving Ajay Mitchell and Stephon Castle escalated into a shoving match with Devin Vassell. Despite the tension, Oklahoma City had already built a 10-point lead, 67-57, and maintained pressure throughout the period. The Spurs’ early fast pace tapered off, with coach Mitch Johnson admitting afterwards that their initial intensity was not sustainable over the full duration of the game.
A defining feature of the Thunder’s victory was the historic contribution from their bench, which recorded 76 points. Four reserve players finished in double figures, led by Jared McCain, who scored a playoff-career-high 24 points. Jaylin Williams added 18 points, including five three-pointers, while playing despite left hamstring issues. Daigneault praised the team’s poise in managing the 48-minute contest, crediting the bench for lifting the team into a manageable position.
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 26 points, while Devin Vassell added 20, but San Antonio could not sustain their early momentum. The Thunder closed out the win with a comfortable margin, extending their lead to 95-84 heading into the fourth quarter. The series now shifts to San Antonio for Game 4, scheduled for Sunday.
