The Thunder pocketed their first victory of the season against San Antonio last night in Oklahoma.
This time, OKC had the last laugh. Spurs had dominated the incumbent champions three times in 13 days in December. They fell (heavily) at the Paycom Center last night (119-98). The Thunder of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (34 pts), in MVP mode, and Jalen Williams (20 pts), who signed his fourth victory in a row, took out the barbed wire in defense after the break, with a third quarter won 40-24, and thus consolidates its leading position in the West standings, ahead of San Antonio, which remains on two losses (34-7 against 27-13). 17 points (7/15) and 7 rebounds for Victor Wembanyama, who became the second youngest player to reach the 500 blocks mark, after Josh Smith. 20 points for Stefon Castle.
If “Wemby” started this meeting strong, aggressive from the start, especially against his pain-in-the-ass Holmgren, “SGA”, initially discreet, brought out his array of MVPs to allow OKC to finish the first quarter with a 12-2 (20-24, then 32-26 at the end of the 1st QT). The two teams went blow for blow in the second, with low percentages from distance (4/14 and 5/15) on both sides. Seven changes of leader in the score, ten ties. A real shock, hung up and undecided during the first act. OKC in front with a short header at the break (52-55 MT). 10 points and 5 rebounds for Wembanyama, imperial in defense on Holmgren. 15 units for “SGA”.
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OKC soars after the break
As at the start of the match, Wembanyama attacked the circle with gusto after the restart, but San Antonio took the tide in transition, notably with “J-Dub” to push the tempo (73-62). Fear for the French giant, sent to the bench after knee-to-knee contact with Gilgeous-Alexander. Castle made the charge (73-69) but OKC tightened the screw in defense and started again (85-69), despite the return of Wembanyama. “SGA” on fire, with 15 points in the third quarter and even a counter on “Wemby” (95-76 at the end of the 3rd QT). Demonstration of the outgoing champion.
OKC further widened the gap (100-76), while Wembanyama, who was not spared in this match, neither by his opponents, nor by the Oklahoma City public, was still feeling the floor by falling on the foot of Jaylin Williams. He had the opportunity to relieve himself with a furious two-handed dunk (102-82), in this tight fourth quarter. After letting the storm pass, San Antonio came back within shooting range (102-90), but OKC once again made its defense speak, exceptional after the break, with for example the fourth counter of “SGA”, not to mention the Caruso festival (114-95). Champion response for the Thunder (119-98 final score), penultimate act between the two clubs in the regular season, on February 4, in Texas this time.
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