The Oklahoma City Thunder are now just one win away from the NBA Finals.
The Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, taking a commanding 3-2 series lead.
Oklahoma City protected home court and delivered when the moment mattered most, using a strong second-half push to separate from a Spurs team that had fought back to even the series in Game 4.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 32 points and 9 assists , but was not his normal efficient self, as he shot just 7-19 from the floor. With Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell both sidelined with injuries, Jared McCain got his first playoff start and stepped up with 20 points. Chet Holmgren scored 16 points and grabbed 11 boards, while Isaiah Hartenstein also posted a double-double, with 12 points and 15 rebounds.
“We obviously played a lot better, in terms of our process and then also the outcome, it’s a playoff series. If you look at any playoff series that goes to six games, at least, there’s going to be some tough games. We had a tough game the other night. This team does a great job of just coming back in the next day in a very neutral way, taking whatever the lessons are, applying them forward and getting into the next opportunity.”
-Thunder coach Mark Daigneault
The Thunder built a 20 point lead, but the Spurs would cut it to 8 points with a big run in the third quarter. San Antonio was unable to further close the gap and the Thunder would take a 101-91 lead into the fourth quarter. OKC was largely able to maintain a double digit advantage in the final frame before going to claim the 13-point victory.
In a losing effort, Stephen Castle led the Spurs with 24 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, Julian Champagnie added 22 points and 8 rebounds. Victor Wembanyama scored 20 points , but was just 4-15 from the field and grabbed a mere 6 rebounds. In his return from a right ankle sprain, De’Aaron Fox scored only 9 points and struggled from the field, missing 11 of his 15 field goal attempts. Keldon Johnson put in 15 points off the Spurs bench.
For the Spurs, the pressure now shifts to Game 6 as they attempt to keep their season alive on their home floor. Despite the loss, San Antonio has shown resilience throughout the postseason and will look to extend the series behind its young talent and defensive intensity.
Meanwhile, the Thunder are now one victory away from reaching the NBA Finals and continuing what has been one of the league’s most impressive playoff runs.
