Key contributors included Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 26 points, Jared McCain with 24 off the bench, Jaylin Williams totaling 18 with five threes, and Alex Caruso adding 15. Jaylin Williams and McCain provided pivotal first-half and late-game scoring to stabilize and extend Oklahoma City’s lead, while the Thunder’s depth and defensive pressure carried them through despite injuries and shooting struggles from some starters. San Antonio was led by Victor Wembanyama with 26 points and De’Anthony Vassell (Vassell) with 20 points, but depth and execution betrayed the Spurs as their bench yielded only 23 points.
The win emphasized Oklahoma City’s resilience and depth, with coach Mark Daigneault praising his team’s poise after the slow start. The Thunder’s record-breaking bench performance contrasted with San Antonio’s limited second-unit output, and even as Jalen Williams sat out and Ajay Mitchell exited early, OKC controlled the second half. Wembanyama and Vassell highlighted the Spurs’ individual talent, but San Antonio’s injury returns and depth could not match Oklahoma City’s sustained pressure.
Key takeaways:
– Thunder bench shatters NBA playoff bench-record with 76 points in a conference finals game.
– Oklahoma City overcame an early 15-0 deficit to dominate the second half.
– Kamplike depth from McCain, Jaylin Williams, and Caruso pivotal in turning the tide.
– Victor Wembanyama led Spurs, but San Antonio lacked sustained depth to counter OKC.
