San Antonio's phenom Victor Wembanyama dropped a monstrous 41 points and 24 rebounds, silencing the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder 122-115 in an epic Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference finals. Double overtime. A statement.
The French star, just 22, showed incredible resolve, forcing the second extra session with a dazzling three-pointer. He then poured in nine crucial points in that final period, sealing a win. San Antonio snagged home-court advantage. Immediately.
Before tip-off, Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander accepted his second straight MVP trophy. A celebratory moment, perhaps. But for Wembanyama, who finished third in the voting despite earning Defensive Player of the Year honors, it felt a lot more personal.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson didn't mince words. That MVP presentation? "100 per cent" motivation for his star. Competitors, Johnson noted, always want what the other guy has.
Wembanyama, however, kept the focus squarely on the team. This young Spurs squad, he declared, is "ready to go in any environment, any place, against anybody."
Rookie Dylan Harper chipped in 24 points and seven steals. Stephon Castle added 17 points and 11 assists. San Antonio, a playoff returnee for the first time since 2019, continued its season-long dominance over OKC.
The Thunder, trying to become the first repeat champions since the Golden State dynasty, led the league with 64 regular-season wins. Yet, they've now dropped four of five contests against these Spurs.
Gilgeous-Alexander, despite a sluggish start, finished with 24 points. He sparked a fourth-quarter rally from a 10-point deficit. Alex Caruso added 31 points. Jalen Williams, back from a six-game injury, scored 26.
The game was a seesaw affair. Tied at 99-99 with seconds left in regulation. Wembanyama's spin move gave the Spurs a brief lead, only for Gilgeous-Alexander to answer. Chet Holmgren blocked Wembanyama's potential buzzer-beater. Into overtime.
First overtime. Gilgeous-Alexander's dunk put OKC up late. Then Wembanyama. A transition three-pointer. Tie game. Into the second extra period.
"It was, like, sheer willpower."
Gilgeous-Alexander, ever the professional, took responsibility. He knew what his teammates were capable of. He just wasn't able to bring his "best game." Sometimes, he mused, "you've got to roll with the punches."
The Thunder, who swept Phoenix and the Lakers in earlier rounds, now face a pivotal Game 2 at home Wednesday. The series then shifts to San Antonio.
One game down. A statement made. But in the Western Conference, statements often only last until the next tip-off.
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