San Antonio Spurs Even Up Series Against Oklahoma City Thunder

4 weeks ago 0

The San Antonio Spurs have tied the Western Conference Finals, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-82. Both teams now have two wins each, making Game 5 in Oklahoma City crucial for gaining an advantage in Game 6.

Oklahoma City’s three-point shooting was inconsistent. In Game 3, they had an impressive 44.7% success rate. However, in Game 4, they hit only 6 of 33 from beyond the arc, a mere 18% accuracy. This struggle extended to their overall field goal percentage, which dropped to 33%.

Victor Wembanyama scoring against the Thunder — Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs scores a basket during Game Four of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.

San Antonio also faced shooting challenges, making only 27% of their three-point attempts and 39% overall from the field. Nevertheless, their aggressive play was evident, as they attempted 32 free throws compared to the Thunder’s 18. This strategy paid off from the start. San Antonio took a nine-point lead in the first quarter and expanded it to double digits by halftime.

The Thunder struggled in the third quarter with turnovers. San Antonio capitalized, scoring 25 points off Oklahoma City’s 20 turnovers and excelling in fast-break scenarios. The Spurs, at one point, reached a 25-point lead, allowing them to rest their starters in the final quarter.

San Antonio Spurs guard gestures against the Thunder — San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle gestures during Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio with 33 points, three successful three-pointers, eight rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. Other key contributors included Stephon Castle (13 points, three rebounds, six assists), Devin Vassell (13 points, six rebounds, three assists), and De’Aaron Fox (12 points, 10 rebounds, five assists). Six Spurs bench players added to the score, particularly Dylan Harper, who scored seven points and grabbed five rebounds.

For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled with his shooting, landing six of 15 shots, though achieving a perfect seven-for-seven at the free-throw line. He also had four rebounds, seven assists, but four turnovers. Thunder’s bench players like Aaron Wiggins and Jared McCain, who were crucial in Game 3, made only 3 of 21 shots combined, totaling eight points.

The next matchup is scheduled for Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m. ET. The winner will take a significant step towards advancing in the series.