Thunder Hold Off Spurs 116-104 Behind Gilgeous-Alexander’s 32

A Tale of Two Halves

The Oklahoma City Thunder established early control at Frost Bank Center, building a commanding lead in the first half before withstanding a spirited second-half rally from the San Antonio Spurs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander anchored the victory for the visitors, pouring in 32 points to lead all scorers. Despite the deficit, Stephon Castle provided significant offensive support for the home crowd, finishing with 24 points.

The Thunder’s offense was efficient and balanced from the opening tip. They jumped out to a 34-28 advantage after the first quarter, leveraging timely shooting and effective ball movement. The lead expanded significantly in the second period, where Oklahoma City outscored San Antonio 31-16.

By halftime, the Thunder had constructed a substantial cushion, capitalizing on defensive stops and transition opportunities that kept the Spurs’ offense stagnant during that stretch.

Spurs Fight Back in the Third

San Antonio refused to go away quietly after the break. The Spurs tightened their defense and found their rhythm offensively in the third quarter, outscoring Oklahoma City 36-28. This surge allowed them to chip away at the deficit, making the final period a tense contest rather than a formalities-filled closing.

Victor Wembanyama controlled the glass for the home team, grabbing 13 rebounds, while De'Aaron Fox facilitated the offense with seven assists.

The fourth quarter saw both teams trade baskets in a back-and-forth affair. The Thunder maintained their composure, extending their lead to double digits at various points through precise shooting and timely free throws. Jared McCain contributed significantly for Oklahoma City, hitting crucial jump shots that helped stabilize the game when the Spurs attempted to close the gap.

Final Stats and Implications

The Thunder closed out the game with a final score of 116-104. Chet Holmgren was a key contributor on the boards for Oklahoma City, securing seven rebounds alongside his scoring efforts. Ajay Mitchell directed the offense effectively for the winners, dishing out six assists.

The result leaves the Thunder at 1-0 to start the season, while the Spurs drop to 0-1 in their home opener. The game, played before an attendance of 19,160, showcased the Thunder’s ability to build a large early lead and manage the clock effectively against a determined San Antonio squad that never fully surrendered.

Sources

ESPN