The Thunder managed to withstand an initial surge from San Antonio, who started the game with a 15-0 run in the first three minutes. However, Oklahoma City responded with a 13-2 run when Wembanyama was substituted. Ultimately, the Thunder secured the win, with season MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributing 26 points and 12 assists. The Thunder’s bench also played a significant role, with three players scoring at least 14 points. Notably, Jared McCain alone scored 18 points, matching the total points of all Spurs’ reserve players combined.
«We just came out and gave it our all,» Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stated. «They definitely put the pressure on us early. It was our first home game, in front of their crowd, they were super energized. We just wanted to make sure we stayed competitive from that point on. We clearly didn’t give it our all at the start of the game, but there’s nothing we can do about it. That’s in the past. All we had to do was focus on the next possession, and that’s what we did.»
Victor Wembanyama put up an impressive stat line of 26 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks.
«These are my first playoffs,» the French player said. «These are the first playoffs for many of us. Of course, there will be tough tests. That’s normal, but now, we’ll see what we’re capable of.»
Game 4 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, again at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
The NBA also announced that Victor Wembanyama, along with Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves), was named to the All-Defensive First Team for the season, alongside Chet Holmgren (Thunder), Ausar Thompson (Pistons), and Derrick White (Celtics).