BICTOR Wembanyama delivered a dominant all-around performance as San Antonio Spurs stunned Oklahoma City Thunder, 122-115, in double overtime during Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference finals on Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines) in Oklahoma City.
The 7-foot-4 French star erupted for 41 points and 24 rebounds, powering San Antonio to a crucial road victory and handing Oklahoma City its first postseason defeat after a nine-game playoff winning streak.
“I thought his level of physicality and execution through physicality was tremendous. His rebounding, obviously, was off the charts. That’s 49 big minutes, and it was high level for a majority of those,” said Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson.
Filipino-American Dylan Harper also played a key role for the Spurs, finishing with 24 points and franchise playoff record seven steals. Stephon Castle contributed 17 points, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson chipped in 13 apiece, and Julian Champagnie added 11 markers.
The contest became an instant playoff classic, marking only the sixth Game 1 in NBA postseason history to extend into double overtime and the first since San Antonio’s playoff clash against Golden State in 2013.
San Antonio appeared headed for a comfortable victory after building a 10-point advantage midway through the fourth quarter. However, Oklahoma City stormed back and forced overtime in a tense closing stretch.
Wembanyama took control late in the second overtime, throwing down two decisive dunks in the final minute, including a three-point play that sealed the victory and gave San Antonio the early series edge.
“It got to the point sometime at the end of that fourth quarter, it just felt like it was a war of wills. Their legs got wobbly, but they composed themselves and finished strong. That was a heck of a game to be a part of,” Johnson said.
Oklahoma City leaned on guard Alex Caruso, who exploded for 31 points, including eight triples. Jalen Williams returned after missing six games because of a hamstring injury and added 26 points.
Fresh off receiving his second consecutive NBA MVP award, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points and 12 assists but connected on only seven of his 23 attempts from the field./PN
