Win the pivotal Game 5! Alexander scores 32 points on 16-of-17 free throws, Wembanyama gets 20, Thunder beat Spurs to take 3-2 series lead.

On May 27, Beijing time, in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, Oklahoma City beat San Antonio 127-114 to claim the crucial victory, going up 3-2 in the series and earning the Western Conference finals match point. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 32 points on 16-for-17 free throws. Wembanyama finished with 20 points on 12-for-12 free throws.

Statistical Summary

Spurs: Wembanyama 20 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 3 blocks; Champagnie 22 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals; Johnson 15 points, 4 rebounds; Castle 24 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals; Fox 9 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals.

Thunder: Alexander 32 points, 2 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals; Caruso 22 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals; Holmgren 16 points, 11 rebounds; Hartenstein 12 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists; McCain 20 points, 3 rebounds.

Game Progress

The Spurs started the game hot from beyond the arc, with Castle and Champagnie hitting threes in succession, giving San Antonio an 8-point lead. The Thunder quickly responded with jump shots, transition layups, and putbacks to close the gap. When Kenrich Williams nailed a three-pointer, Oklahoma City tied the game at 20-20. For a stretch, both teams traded baskets, and Alexander drew a foul and made both free throws to give the Thunder a 29-27 lead at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Thunder were quicker to get into rhythm, extending their lead to 10 points through mid-range jumpers, driving floaters, and free throws. The Spurs fired back, and when Vassell dunked over Holmgren, they went on a 9-0 run to pull within striking distance. Late in the quarter, the Spurs went cold, and Caruso and Alexander scored consecutive baskets to spark another scoring burst for the Thunder. At halftime, OKC led 69-58, up by 11 points.

After the break, Alexander opened the half with a flurry of makes, sparking a 9-0 run that pushed the lead to 20 points. The Spurs did not give up, with Wembanyama, Castle, and Vassell hitting shots to cut the deficit. When Fox hit a jumper, the Spurs were within 9 points. As the quarter wound down, San Antonio tried to get even closer, but the Thunder played steady basketball to maintain their advantage. At the end of three quarters, OKC held a 10-point lead. In the fourth, the Thunder sank several shots while the Spurs kept chasing. When McCain made a three, the Thunder led 112-99 by 13 points. The Spurs attempted a comeback, but Caruso and McCain each knocked down threes to extend the lead. With the margin too large and time running out, the game was effectively decided. In the end, the Thunder defeated the Spurs to win the pivotal Game 5, taking a 3-2 series lead and securing the Western Conference finals match point.

Starting Lineups

Spurs: Wembanyama, Champagnie, Fox, Castle, Vassell

Thunder: Alexander, Dort, Holmgren, Hartenstein, McCain