The Oklahoma City Thunder moved one win away from the NBA finals after a commanding 127-114 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, despite a slow start, finished with 32 points and nine assists to lead his team to a 3-2 series lead.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his team's intensity, saying they were first to the fight on both ends of the floor. Gilgeous-Alexander, who missed his first four shots and had three first-quarter turnovers, found his rhythm in the second quarter, scoring 12 points in a 40-point period for Oklahoma City.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama struggled, managing only 20 points on 4-of-15 shooting and six rebounds. His rebounding has declined sharply after averaging 20.5 boards in the first two games; he has just 18 total over the last three. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson stressed the need for Wembanyama to take more than 15 shots and score more than 20 points if San Antonio hopes to turn the series around. Wembanyama declined to speak to the media after the game.
Oklahoma City will have a chance to close out the series in Game 6 on Thursday in San Antonio. The Thunder bench also contributed significantly, with Alex Caruso scoring 22 points, Jared McCain adding 20, and Chet Holmgren recording a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. McCain, making his first playoff start, impressed with his composure and confidence, according to Daigneault.
Spurs guard Stephon Castle, who led his team with 24 points, expressed frustration with the officiating, noting that the Thunder attempted 38 free throws compared to San Antonio's 32. He felt his team did not receive the same physical leeway on defense.
The Thunder led by 11 at halftime and extended their advantage to 20 early in the third quarter. San Antonio cut the deficit to eight twice in the late third but could not get closer, as Oklahoma City held on for a crucial win to regain home-court advantage in the series.
