See you at the crucial Game 5! Wembanyama explodes for 33 points as Spurs tie series 2-2; Thunder manage just 82 points, a season low.

On May 25, Beijing time, the NBA Western Conference Finals continued, with the Spurs beating the Thunder 103-82 at home to tie the series at 2-2, forcing a decisive Game 5. Wembanyama finished with 33 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks on 11-of-22 shooting, while Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists on 6-of-15 shooting. The Spurs jumped out to a 16-0 run in the first quarter and led by 12 at the break. They maintained control in the second half, building a lead as large as 25 points before cruising to victory. The Thunder managed only 82 points, a season low (including both regular season and playoffs). Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals is scheduled for May 27.

Stats Summary

Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 19 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists; Isaiah Hartenstein 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists; Chet Holmgren 10 points, 9 rebounds; Isaiah Joe 11 points, 5 rebounds; Kenrich Williams 10 points, 5 rebounds; Cason Wallace 5 points, 4 rebounds; Aaron Wiggins 4 points; Jalen Williams 3 points; Lindy Waters 3 points.

Spurs: Victor Wembanyama 33 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks; Stephon Castle 13 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists; Devin Vassell 13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists; De'Aaron Fox 12 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists; Josh Harper 7 points, 5 rebounds; Luke Kornet 6 points, 7 rebounds; Keldon Johnson 6 points, 3 rebounds; Harrison Barnes 5 points, 3 rebounds.

Player of the Game

Wembanyama dominated on both ends of the floor, leading the Spurs to even the series.

Game Recap

First quarter: Wembanyama hit a three-pointer, and Hartenstein made four consecutive floaters to score the Thunder’s first 8 points. For the Spurs, Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson each hit shots, Castle and Vassell drained threes, and Wembanyama scored four straight points, sparking a 16-0 run that gave San Antonio a 15-point lead. Gilgeous-Alexander ended the Thunder’s five-minute scoring drought with a mid-range jumper and a driving layup. Kornet threw down a dunk, Gilgeous-Alexander drew a foul on Fox and made both free throws, Vassell and Jalen Williams traded threes, and Holmgren put back an offensive rebound. After one quarter, the Spurs led 28-19.

Second quarter: Holmgren dunked, and Joe converted a three-point play, cutting the deficit to 4. Fox hit a mid-range jumper, and Harper struggled at the line, making only 1 of 4 free throws. Kornet scored inside, pushing the lead back to 9. Hartenstein grabbed an offensive rebound and scored, while Wembanyama answered with a mid-range jumper, a putback, and free throws. Wallace hit a floater, Holmgren and Wembanyama each added putbacks, and Gilgeous-Alexander nailed a mid-range jumper. Vassell scored 4 straight points, and Wembanyama beat the halftime buzzer with a deep three. At the break, the Spurs led 50-38. Wembanyama already had 22 points in the first half.

Third quarter: Wallace opened with a three, Wembanyama completed a three-point play, and Castle scored 4 straight points, pushing the lead to 16. Gilgeous-Alexander scored on a layup, then Wembanyama and Castle threw down dunks, Fox hit a three, and the Spurs went on a 13-2 run to extend the lead to 25. Gilgeous-Alexander and Wiggins responded with consecutive buckets, trimming the margin to 18. Holmgren suffered a hand injury and received sideline treatment to stop the bleeding. Wembanyama knocked down another three, and Kenrich Williams answered with back-to-back triples. After three quarters, the Spurs led 78-60.

Fourth quarter: Johnson scored on a layup, Wembanyama finished a fast-break dunk, and Dort and Wiggins each hit mid-range jumpers. Fox answered with a mid-range jumper, Holmgren and Wiggins scored again, then Harper made two free throws. With 6 minutes left, the Thunder still trailed by 20. The game was effectively over; Oklahoma City pulled its starters, and San Antonio gradually substituted its regulars. Kornet threw down an alley-oop dunk, Joe hit a three, and Fox converted a three-point play. Ultimately, the Spurs won at home and tied the series.

Starting Lineups

Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein

Spurs: De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Victor Wembanyama